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MORE 

SEVEN  CLUB  TALES 


FOUND  IN  MR.  JEFFERAY'S  PAPERS  MARKED: 
"  SOME  STRANGE  RELATINGS,  SENT  BY  DIVERS 
OF  MINE  ACQUAINTANCE,  WITH  A  DESIRE  THAT 
THEY  BE  READ  UNTO  THE  SEVEN  CLUB.  HERE 
FOLLOWETH  A  NAMING  OF  WITHIN.  W.  J." 


MR.   RAY'S  TALE. 
AN  INDIAN  LEGEND  OF  BLOCK  ISLAND. 

MR.  SMITH'S  TALE. 
A  NAMELESS  GUEST  AT  NARRAGANSETT. 

MR.  WILLETT'S  TALE. 
A  STRANGE  LADING  AT  THE  KENNEBEC. 

MR.  BLACKSTONE'S  TALE. 
THREE  GHOSTLY  APPEARIXGS  AT  STUDY  HALL. 

DR.  CRANSTON'S  TALE. 
A  MARVELLOUS  CURE  AT  NEWPORT. 

MR.  BAULSTONE'S  TALE. 
THE  FIRST  CALLER  TO   MINE   INN  AT  PORTSMOUTH  . 

MISTRESS  PORTER'S  TALE. 
MY  HUSBANDS  AND  OTHER  TRIALS. 


EDITED    BY 

JOHN  OSBORNE  AUSTIN. 

COMPILER  OF 

"THE  JOURNAL  OF  WILLIAM  JEFFERAY,  GENTLEMAN." 
1900. 

LIMITED  EDITION. 


COPYRIGHT  1900, 

BY 
JOHN   OSBORNE  AUSTIN, 

PROVIDENCE,    R.    I. 


PRESS  OP 

NEWPORT     DAILY    NEWS, 

NEWPORT.    R.    I. 


PREFACE. 


It  was  doubtless  Mr.  Jefferay's  intention 
to  have  read  these  tales  at  the  Seven  Club, 
though  whether  he  ever  did  so  is  unknown. 
Evidently  those  who  sent  them  to  him  were 
familiar  with  the  tales  already  told  at  the 
club,  and  were  acquainted  with  the  mem- 
bers. The  narrations  heretofore  published 
(as  a  part  of  Mr.  Jefferay's  Journal)  were  so 
favorably  received,  that  it  has  been  decided 
to  print  these  later  found  stories,  as  a  proper 
sequel.  The  reader  will  find  familiar  names 
in  the  tellers — Mr.  Ray,  a  leading  settler 
at  Block  Island,  two  of  whose  granddaugh- 
ters married  distinguished  Governors  of 
Rhode  Island  ;  (he  gives  an  Indian's  ver- 
sion of  the  "  Palatine  Light");  Mr.  Smith, 
of  the  old  Narragansett  trading  house, 
where  the  whole  New  England  army  was 
subsisted  in  King  Philip's  war  ;  (he  tells  a 
Regicide  tale) ;  Mr.  Willett,  the  first  Eng- 
lish Mayor  of  New  York ;  Mr.  Blackstone, 
the  always  interesting  recluse  of  Study 
Hill ;  Doctor  Cranston,  the  early  Colonial 


Annex 
6" 


2072207 


Governor,  and  whose  son  Samuel  was  thirty 
times  elected  to  that  office  ;  Mr.  Baulstone, 
mine  host,  whose  claret  has  been  extolled 
by  Mr.  Jefferay,  heretofore ;  and  Mistress 
Porter,  much  married  and  much  tried 
therein  (and  otherwise)  as  naively  related 
by  her.  A  goodly  company,  indeed,  of 
story  tellers.  Wherefore,  gentle  reader, 
give  unto  them  a  fair  hearing,  and  your 
courtesy  shall,  perchance,  be  something 
requited. 

JOHN  OSBORNE  AUSTIN. 

PROVIDENCE,    R.    I. 


MR.   RAY'S  XALE.. 


AN    INDIAN    LEGEND    OF   BLOCK   ISLAND. 


Mr.  Jefferay's  valued  visit  hath  minded 
me  to  send  this  for  his  reading,  (if  worthy) 
at  the  Seven  Club,  so  called.  I  came,  as 
you  know,  among  that  band,  (many  of  us 
from  Braintree,)  who  first  settled  Block 
Island,  near  half  a  score  years  since. 

It  may  be  deemed  in  a  degree  presump- 
tuous for  one  of  my  youth,  (scarce  turned 
of  thirty),  to  tell  aught  that  might  interest 
mine  elders;  and  tho'  I  have  been  honored 
in  counsel,  and  acted  in  the  concerns  of  our 
holy  religion  (for  want  of  other  minister), 
yet  I  should  be  slow  to  give  from  mine  own 
experience  any  relatings  whatsoever.  I 
shall  rather  tell  what  I  heard  from  another, 
upon  first  coming  to  the  island,  in  the  year 
of  our  Lord  1661.  At  that  time  there  was 
a  considerable  number  of  Indians  on  Block 
Island,  with  some  grown  ancient ;  and  what 
I  shall  relate  came  from  the  oldest  of  these, 
(near  an  hundred  years  by  his  reckoning), 
one  more  than  passing  wise  for  any  of  that 
race. 

What  he  told  me  came  from  his  grandsire's 
grandsire,  with  origin  still  further  off,  per- 


6 

chance,  for  these  Indians,  having  naught  in 
writing,  do  carry  forward  their  history  by 
one  generation  telling  unto  another.  If  this 
maketh  some  incertitude  of  dates,  yet 
enough  facts  remain  to  hold  by,  for  want  of 
better  record.  Such  thoughts  had  lodgment 
with  me  when  I  took  down  the  best  interpre- 
tation possible  of  this  ancient  Indian's  tale  ; 
and  it  ran  nearly  in  this  wise : 

Many,  many  moons  ago  (about  two  hun- 
dred years  before  our  settling,  as  near  as  I 
could  get  it)  the  Great  Pond  had  so  deep 
and  broad  an  entrance  that  any  ship  might 
make  safe  haven  there  ;  not  as  now  a  chan- 
nel variable  or  none  at  all.  The  mightiest 
storm  that  e'er  raged,  in  their  accountings, 
had  continued  some  days,  when  a  vessel 
was  seen  making  as  best  she  might  for  this 
harbour,  which  happily  she  fetched  into 
with  safety  and  anchored,  with  all  her  cable 
out  e'en  there.  Though  she  was  called  by 
the  Indian  a  great  ship  (and  may  have  been 
by  compare  with  the  shallop  we  arrived  in) 
yet  I  deem  her,  from  his  describing,  such  a 
craft  as  then  traded  across  channel  from 
England  to  other  parts  of  Europe.  But  if 
not  large  as  reckoned  today  of  ships,  yet 
she  was  staunch  enough  to  weather  this 
mighty  gale  ;  albeit,  the  poor  people  in  her 
had  doubtless  oft  given  themselves  up  for 
lost,  and  all  thankful  enough  now  to  be  so 


snugly  placed.  Nor  did  the  storm  cease  its 
fury  one  whit  for  a  long  space  yet,  raging 
indeed  more  fiercely  than  ever,  till  (in  all)  a 
half  moon  had  passed,  or,  as  we  should  say, 
a  fortnight. 

At  the  last  of  it  a  most  strange  thing  be- 
fell, which  was  nothing  less  than  the  closing 
of  all  entrance  to  the  pond  or  harbour  in 
such  solid  fashion  that  one  might  not  be- 
lieve it  could  e'er  ope  again  ;  a  perfect  land- 
locking  forever,  as  seemed,  of  that  ship  so 
lately  storm-tossed.  When  the  gale  had 
well  finished  and  the  voyagers  some  rested, 
they  got  off  a  boat  from  the  deck,  and 
passing  signals  of  friendship  with  the  Indi- 
ans (who  had  come  to  the  shore)  soon  made 
a  landing. 

The  best  account  I  could  gather,  made 
these  strangers  of  light  complexion  and 
middle  stature,  and  of  English  speech. 
Nor  could  I  shake  the  old  Indian  at  all 
about  this  last,  tho'  questioning  closely. 
One  had  direct  command  in  ship  and  boat, 
but  another  had  the  most  respect  paid  him 
on  landing,  and  ever  afterward.  This  last 
was  most  richly  dressed,  with  a  sword  at  his 
side,  and  though  a  young  man,  grave  and 
stately  appearing.  It  would  seem  he  was 
not  of  the  vessel's  company,  but  a  passen- 
ger, who  having  been  in  some  service 
abroad  had  chanced  upon  this  vessel  for  his 


8 

return  to  England.  It  proved  a  sorry  mis- 
chancing  for  him  however,  as  you  have 
seen;  and  losing. their  near  port  by  driving 
to  sea  in  this  dire  gale,  they  would  have 
long  since  starved  but  that  the  cargo  was  in 
some  part  food.  So  close  had  one  gale  fol- 
lowed upon  another  that  they  called  it  but 
one  storm  since  leaving  their  port  till  ar- 
rival here. 

The  voyagers  tho'  so  long  tossed  aboutt 
and  across  so  wide  an  ocean,  would  finally 
have  made  trial  to  again  pass  over  it,  but 
for  their  prisoning  here  in  way  related ;  as 
indeed  they  were  fast  enough  held,  having 
no  method  to  escape  their  vessel,  nor  proper 
tools  to  break  her  up  and  rebuild  on  ocean 
side.  Now  giving  up  all  hope  of  e'er  seeing 
home  again,  they  commenced  to  build  and 
plant,  living  on  the  ship  till  their  houses 
were  ready,  then  removing  thereto  most  of 
their  belongings  from  the  ship. 

When  all  was  done,  they  settled  down  in 
some  content,  and  yet  far  from  real  happi- 
ness, for  thinking  of  their  loved  ones  at 
home,  who  might  well  suppose  them  lost. 
After  crops  were  gathered  from  their  first 
planting,  some  debate  arose  as  to  whether 
wives  might  not  be  taken,  and  most  of  the 
unmarried  did  soon  join  themselves  to 
Indian  maidens ;  as  all  the  rest  later, 
(whether  having  wives  at  home  or  not)  ex- 


9 

cept  their  young  ruler.  He  was  careful 
that  all  their  marriages  should  be  made 
from  a  book,  the  Indian  said,  and  with  sign 
of  the  cross.  It  would  thus  seem  that  the 
one  who  had  command  since  landing,  tho' 
not  himself  a  priest,  was  determined  to 
make  a  ceremony  as  binding  as  he  could, 
which  speaketh  well  for  him,  so  far.  A 
calm  and  peaceful  life  followed  this  gather- 
ing into  families,  with  no  trouble  from  their 
Indian  neighbors,  for  the  young  leader  of 
the  English  measured  out  justice  to  all, 
brooking  not  any  unfairness  in  dealing  with 
the  natives. 

One  only  trouble  finally  came  to  plague 
them,  but  this  strange  enough  ;  the  falling 
into  a  decline  of  the  head  sachem's  daugh- 
ter by  reason  of  her  love  for  the  young 
Englishman.  This  was  when  some  years 
had  passed,  the  maid  near  twenty  and  the 
young  man  nearer  to  thirty  years. 

It  was  a  cause  for  offense  to  the  sachem 
that  his  daughter's  love  was  not  returned 
and  might  yet  bring  the  whole  settlement 
into  some  danger,  if  the  commander's  cold- 
ness continued  towards  the  maiden. 

But  leaving  this  a  moment,  I  must  now 
tell  of  another  great  gale,  only  second  in 
fury  to  the  earlier  one,  with  an  ending  which 
had  this  unlikeness  to  the  first — in  that  it 
opened  what  the  other  had  shut !  In  truth, 


10 

the  great  pond  had  again  become  a  good 
harbour,  with  fair  channel,  both  in  depth 
and  width. 

Joy  and  commotion  followed  upon  this 
wonder  becoming  known  (as  you  may  well 
believe);  of  the  English  at  least ;  and  most 
were  for  braving  the  seas  again,  so  strong 
the  hold  of  home  and  kindred. 

No  such  joy  showed  in  their  Indian  wives, 
for  many  would  for  certain  be  left,  and  if  a 
few  taken,  yet  to  an  unknown  land  over  a 
dangerous  sea. 

Listen,  however,  to  what  came  next ;  for 
hardly  had  the  boat  made  her  first  passage 
to  the  ship,  when  lo !  the  vessel  brake  forth 
in  flames,  slowly  moving  the  while  towards 
the  harbour's  mouth,  with  guiding  hand  at 
the  helm  none  other  than  that  Indian  maid, 
of  whose  love  I  told  ! 

The  boat  was  rowed  closer  still,  but  it 
was,  alas,  too  late  to  save  the  burning  ship, 
and  the  maid,  well  satisfied  with  her  work, 
now  plunged  headlong  into  the  sea,  where 
she  would  have  drowned  had  not  he  whom 
she  so  loved  rescued  her,  and  drawn  into 
the  boat. 

Upon  close  questioning,  she  did  confess 
to  firing  the  ship  and  loosing  cable,  that  he 
who  was  to  embark  might  not  go  from  her 
forever. 

Some    in  the    boat   were    so.  enraged    at 


11 

this  as  to  sieze  her,  with  a  purpose  of 
throwing  overboard  to  drown  ;  for  their 
spirits  were  sadly  dashed  at  a  time  when 
thoughts  of  home  had  been  uppermost. 
Their  leader  sternly  forbade  laying  any 
hand  upon  her,  but  though  he  rebuked  the 
girl  only  by  a  glance,  doubtless  she  felt  it 
more  than  threat  of  all  the  rest.  Heaven 
only  knows  the  deep  distress  he  felt  that 
the  cup  of  happiness  should  be  thus  dashed 
from  his  lips,  when  he  had  so  longed  for 
liberty  and  thought  it  attained.  Yet  sad- 
dened as  he  was  at  his  life's  fate  sealed  (a 
grief  that  would  have  maddened  some  in 
thinking  of  the  manner  of  missing  this  one 
chance)  he  never  chided  the  Indian  maid, 
but  by  that  one  look.  This  only  rebuke  of 
his  hath  been  told  by  Indian  word  for  gener- 
ations, the  wonder  more  to  them,  as  quick 
death  would  have  been  her  portion  if  she  had 
so  worked  upon  any  of  her  own  blood  ;  scarce 
would  her  father's  station  have  saved  her. 

All  that  night  the  burning  ship  could  be 
seen,  far  off  at  last  on  horizon's  edge ;  and 
still  can  it  be  seen  at  long  intervals  of  time, 
if  the  ancient  Indian  may  be  heeded  in 
what  he  stoutly  declared  the  truth. 

I  know  not  how  this  may  be,  having  of  a 
certainty  never,  myself,  seen  it ;  nor  do  I 
overmuch  believe  in  the  spirit  return  of 
things  that  have  in  nature  passed  away. 


12 

Whether  partly  come  from  this  happen- 
ing of  the  fire,  as  dispiriting  many,  a  plague 
now  broke  forth  which  spread  so  direfully 
that  many  Indians,  and  ail  that  company 
of  English,  save  one,  perished  ere  it  was 
spent. 

The  one  who  survived  it  was  that  young- 
est, the  ruler  and  commander  of  the  rest, 
nor  would  he  have  'scaped  but  for  the  tend- 
ance day  and  night  of  that  Indian  maid, 
who  never  left  his  side  from  the  time  he 
was  stricken  down  until  the  plague  abated 
and  the  fever  left  his  blood. 

When  the  spark  of  life  kindled  a  little 
and  he  came  out  of  his  worst  weakness,  he 
well  knew  to  whom  he  owed  this  new  life 
(after  God) ;  and  as  a  more  steady  flaming 
came,  in  strength  renewed,  he  may  well 
have  been  touched  at  the  thought  of  her 
devotion,  twice  shown,  tho'  in  such  different 
manner. 

Whatever  had  kept  his  love  from  her  till 
now,  (whether  real  or  fancied  affection  for 
another,  or  some  bitter  experience  of 
woman's  faithlessness),  true  it  is  that  his 
heart  at  last  went  out  to  this  poor  Indian 
maid. 

They  were  happily  joined  together  on 
his  quick  recovery  (as  ever  love  hastens 
cure  of  the  ailing)  and  lived  in  great  con- 
tent for  many  years. 


13 

One  child  was  born  to  them,  but  died  ere 
reaching  womanhood,  and  a  few  years  later 
the  wife  died,  leaving  her  much  sorrowing 
husband  to  linger  many  years  more,  though 
wishing  most  to  join  her.  Still,  if  it  were 
God's  will  he  should  remain,  he  resolved  to 
do  some  service  for  Him  in  ministering  to 
soul  and  body  of  the  Indians ;  and  in  this 
good  work  he  continued  to  his  life's  close, 
near  an  hundred  years  old.  The  night  he 
died  that  ship  of  flame  appeared,  with  his 
wife  at  helm,  and  the  spirit  that  left  his 
body  joined  hers. 

Great  lamentation  and  long  grieving  fol- 
lowed his  death,  for  dearly  did  these  poor 
natives  love  him  on  account  of  his  watchful 
care  and  good  counsel  ever  bestowed  on 
them. 

Scarce  could  they  be  comforted  in  their 
loss,  and  so  sure  were  they  of  his  revisiting 
them  in  spirit,  that  whenever  the  appearance 
was  reported  of  that  ship  of  flame,  they 
would  flock  to  the  shore  ready  to  welcome 
his  landing. 

This  custom  continued  for  many  years, 
(e'en  to  the  youth  of  the  ancient  man  who 
told  me  the  tale),  but  fell  into  disuse  with  the 
coming  of  other  white  men  in  later  times, 
and  the  dying  of  the  older  sort  of  Indians. 

One  thing  more  I  must  tell  of  him,  which 
happened  just  before  he  died ;  when  calling 


14 

to  him  one  of  the  younger  but  well  betrusted 
men,  he  gave  him  a  ring  from  off  his  finger, 
charging  that  it  should  be  handed  down 
from  father  to  son  until,  mayhap  in  some 
distant  age,  an  Englishman  might  come  to 
the  Island.  In  this  event  (which  he  said 
should  some  time  surely  be)  the  ring  must 
be  handed  over  to  such  an  one,  if  worthy  of 
trust ;  as  to  which  e'en  a  poor  Indian  hath 
some  judgment. 

So  this  ring  hath  at  last  reached  me,  by 
hand  of  the  ancient  man  whose  tale  I  have 
told,  and  I  would  fain  have  all  see  it  that 
may,  in  good  hope  that  a  matching  of  the 
arms  upon  it  may  be  found  with  some  still 
borne  in  England. 

Such  likeness  I  have  not  yet  come  upon, 
tho'  diligent  search  hath  been  made,  and  it 
something  fears  me  that  this  line  may  have 
run  out  its  course,  long  since,  as  oft  happen- 
eth  to  some  of  our  best  old  stocks. 

I  have  many  times  pondered  on  the  case 
of  that  poor  youth,  so  strangely  cast  upon 
a  speck  of  ground  in  the  great  ocean ;  and 
how  his  mind  must  have  gone  back,  in  old 
age  (the  habit  then),  to  his  early  days  in 
England.  I  have  thought  whether  he  might 
not  have  left  some  writing  to  clear  this 
mystery,  telling  of  his  name  and  station,  as 
by  his  dress,  and  deference  paid  him,  he 
bore  some  title  or  rank,  of  certainty. 


15 

The  time  of  his  landing  was  something 
earlier,  'tis  evident,  than  that  Columbus 
came  (though  called  the  first  of  all)  and 
this  would  make  his  writings,  with  dates 
therein,  so  much  the  more  of  value.  If  he 
left  any  such  my  searching  hath  not  found 
them,  though  'twere  possible  yet  to  come 
about;  the  more  like  near  his  grave,  which 
also  hath  'scaped  my  inquiry  thus  far.  Me- 
thinks  he  would  ne'er  have  given  such  writ- 
ings to  care  of  Indians,  not  for  doubting 
their  honesty,  but  the  lack  of  means  to  care 
for  them,  and  danger  of  wearing,  wetting, 
or  fire. 

Only  this  ring  have  I  to  show  of  his  visit 
here,  and  the  ancient  Indian  who  gave  it  to 
me  (close  upon  his  death)  charged  me  to 
care  for  it  my  life  through,  passing  to  an- 
other hand  ere  mine  grew  quite  cold.  So 
will  I  try ;  with  strict  heed  (if  sudden 
death  might  be  mine)  that  the  ring  go  not 
astray,  but  ever  remain  in  safe  holding. 

'Twas  a  strange  story  this  old  man  told, 
and  I  rested  not  till  he  had  given  it  many 
times,  to  see  if  all  held  the  same,  or  could 
be  shaken  in  any  of  its  parts;  but  when 
finally  done  it  remained  as  at  the  first,  save 
in  a  few  small  faults  of  mine  own  interpret- 
ing. This  confusion  (from  difference  in 
language)  hath  all  been  cured,  and  you 
have  it  cleared  just  as  it  came  from  his  lips, 
in  all  essential  things. 


16 

You  must  now  be  the  judge  of  how  much 
there  may  have  been  to  start  upon,  and  to 
what  grown  since  by  telling  of  one  genera- 
tion to  another.  I  will  vouch  for  the  last 
teller  as  a  wise  man  (for  his  race),  never  hav- 
ing met  one  more  so,  in  some  wide  knowl- 
edge of  Indians.  And  there  is  the  ring, 
carrying  its  own  evidence,  so  far. 

I  could  wish,  ere  closing,  that  I  might 
better  tell  of  the  beauty  and  worth  of  the 
Indian  maid  who  so  loved  that  stranger 
cast  upon  her  father's  domain  ;  but  herein 
am  I  some  barred  by  the  special  manner 
(different  from  our  English  way  of  speech) 
in  which  set  forth  to  me  by  the  ancient 
man.  Straight  as  an  arrow,  lissome  as  any 
fawn,  hair  black  as  night,  but  lustrous,  and 
eyes  like  stars,  yet  melting  (when  turned 
toward  one),  teeth  of  pearl  and  voice  sweet 
as  wood  thrush  song,  were  only  part  that  he 
told  of  her.  In  our  plainer  way,  she  was 
beautiful,  tender  and  true;  and  those  of  us 
who  believe  love  best  of  all,  (as  nearest  like 
God  who  made  us),  will  not  pity  too  much 
the  one  whose  heart  was  hers,  e'en  tho'  his 
fate  at  first  seemeth  so  hard  to  bear. 


MR.   SMITH'S  TALE. 


A   NAMELESS     GUEST     AT     NARRAGANSETT. 

It  may  be  thought  that  dwelling  so  re- 
mote from  other  English,  on  edge  of  the 
wilderness  (at  Wickford),  might  give  less 
reason  for  any  notable  happenings  in  my 
household,  but  as  to  that  you  shall  pres- 
ently see. 

Tis  true,  that,  till  of  late,  we  did  live 
much  apart  from  other  settlements,  none 
nearer,  on  the  main,  than  Pawtuxet,  a  score 
of  miles  away.  All  this  is  now  "changed  by 
coming  of  many  to  settle  near  unto  us. 

My  father  came  here  as  early  as  1640,  in 
a  desire  for  more  freedom  of  conscience 
than  most  would  grant  in  Plymouth  Col- 
ony, and  well  opinioned  that  in  the  Massa- 
chusetts he  might  fare  still  worse.  Beyond 
this  was  his  desire  to  do  the  natives  good 
in  propagating  the  gospel  amongst  them  ; 
with  some  use  also  for  a  good  estate  he 
brought,  to  trade  with  these  Indians. 

So  he  built  him  a  house,  commodious 
enough  for  family  and  servants,  as  well  as 
entertainment  for  chance  travellers  upon 
that  Pequot  Path,  leading  close  beside  us 
from  the  Massachusetts  and  Plymouth  to 
Connecticut  bounds. 


18 

Upon  this  matter  of  boundaries,  however, 
there  hath  been  much  dispute  betwixt 
Rhode  Island  and  Connecticut,  as  to  which 
hath  jurisdiction  in  Narragansett,  with 
some  imprisonings  of  late,  on  both  sides. 

In  our  free  entertainment  of  travellers, 
if  such  came  but  on  scant  occasion,  yet  in 
all  these  years  some  choice  spirits  have 
tarried  with  us,  and  of  strange  histories  oft, 
if  they  might  be  willing  to  declare  them. 

My  tale  hath  to  do  with  one  of  these, 
whose  coming  and  going  was  in  mystery. 
It  was,  methinks,  some  two  years  or  therea- 
bouts before  our  Colony's  charter  was 
granted  by  His  Gracious  Majesty,  King 
Charles,  that  I  first  saw  him  of  whom  I 
relate,  and  upon  the  occasion  that  now 
followeth. 

I  had  been  ordering  some  work  upon  our 
shore,  (the  gathering  and  hauling  of  sea 
weed  to  dress  a  field);  this  direction  falling 
of  late  to  my  lot,  for  my  father  had  grown 
something  ancient  and  less  able  to  oversee 
than  formerly.  The  last  load  had  at  length 
started  on  its  homeward  way,  and  I  about 
to  follow,  when  casting  mine  eyes  seaward, 
I  saw  a  craft  hauling  in  by  Beaver  Tail  (as 
called),  and  observing  her  now  more  closely, 
could  not  make  her  rig  to  match  with  any 
shallop  or  ketch  belonging  in  our  colony. 

Marveling  some  at  this,  I  sat  me  down  to 


19 

await  her  nearer  approach,  thinking,  as  she 
had  not  stood  in  for  Newport,  it  were  like 
that  Providence  might  be  her  port;  a  course 
that  would  make  her  to  pass  me  in  some 
closeness. 

By  her  fashioning  I  was  at  a  loss  to  tell 
whether  she  might  be  from  the  Dutch  at 
Manhattan,  from  Barbadoes,  or  Virginia; 
yet  in  some  belief  'twere  one  of  these  she 
had  voyaged  from. 

The  wind  making  more  from  the  south- 
ward now,  and  tide  serving  fair,  she  soon 
drew  closer;  but  instead  of  passing  up  the 
bay  (  as  I  thought  her  sure  to  do  ),  she 
brought  up  into  the  wind,  and  lowered  a 
boat,  which  was  headed  for  the  little  cove 
where  I  stood. 

The  one  who  sat  in  the  stern  I  could  soon 
see,  by  his  dress  and  bearing,  was  gently 
born  ;  and,  on  soon  landing,  he  bowed  in 
grave  politeness  and  thus  saluted  me:  "If 
I  mistake  not,  thou  art  Master  Smith,  who 
liveth  near,  and  I  would  fain  have  some 
speech  with  thee,  a  little  apart."  This  last 
he  spake  lower  and  as  regarding  the  men 
who  had  rowed  him  from  the  vessel ;  they 
still  waiting  his  command. 

As  we  walked  a  little  space  back  from 
the  shore,  I  assured  him  my  name  was 
rightly  guessed,  but  that  perchance  it  was 
my  father  he  sought,  in  which  case  we 


20 

would  seek  him  at  the  house,  his  age  keep- 
ing him  much  there  of  late. 

"  No,  'tis  thyself,  the  younger  Richard,  I 
seek,"  said  he,  "  though  I  hope  soon  to  see 
much  of  thy  father  also,  if  my  business 
prosper  as  I  desire.  I  know  you  both,  by 
report,  as  men  ever  courteous  to  strangers, 
entertaining  all  who  may  come  to  you  in 
their  journeyings,  with  no  thought  of  pay. 

"  For  myself,  however,  I  desire  a  different 
sort  of  lodgment,  inasmuch  as  my  stay  may 
be  longer  than  any  yet  hath  made  with  you. 

"  I  would  make  payment,  therefore,  in 
gold  (of  which  I  have  a  small  store  in  this 
purse),  or,  if  it  please  you,  it  liketh  me  still 
better,  to  pay  in  any  writings  required  from 
your  large  tradings.  My  stay  would  be 
three  months  to  a  day,  but  only  on  that 
condition  I  spake  of,  wherein  I  pray  that 
thou  wilt  humour  me;  contenting  my  mind 
so  far,  as  Heaven  knows  my  soul  hath  been 
enough  disquieted  to  need  some  repose. 

"Should  such  long  tarrying  of  a  stranger 
(whose  manners  and  temper  thou  hast  yet 
to  learn)  be  not  to  thy  mind,  that  were  of 
itself  a  bar,  tho'  I  hope  there  would  be 
nothing  unseemly  found  in  me  upon  trial. 
Tis  for  thyself  to  say  whether  we  part 
now  as  friends,  or  a  few  months  later.  If 
now,  I  will  at  once  hie  me  back  to  Virginia, 
whence  I  came ;  a  long  voyage  for  disap- 


21 

pointment  at  its  close,  but  better  that  than 
to  be  an  unwelcome  guest." 

Now,  although  his  request  was  in  a  man- 
ner strange,  yet  I  had  grown  into  such  a 
liking  for  him  ere  he  finished,  by  reason  of 
the  honesty  and  courtesy  he  showed,  that  I 
was  well  assured  his  stay  would  pleasure 
us  more  than  it  could  vex. 

So  I  quickly  made  answer:  "  It  shall  be 
e'en  as  thou  dost  desire,  and  tho'  we  shall 
sure  be  advantaged  by  thy  tarry,  in  our 
something  lonely  life  here,  yet  as  to  em- 
ployment for  spare  hours,  there  are  indeed 
some  arrears  of  writing  that  my  father  lately 
made  mention  of;  enough  I  think  to  satisfy 
thy  scruple  of  not  being  idle.  And  now 
what  may  I  call  thy  name  ?" 

He  looked  as  if  some  troubled  or  sad- 
dened at  this  query,  and  paused  before  his 
answer  came:  "Once  more  must  I  crave  a 
boon,  for  the  name  I  bear  cannot  be  told  at 
the  present,  nor  will  I  give  a  false  one  to 
thee.  Call  me  therefore  (if  thou  wilt  again 
humour  me)  '  The  Nameless  Guest '  until  in 
some  day  of  better  fortune  I  may  give  an- 
other— which  it  vexeth  me  sore  I  may  not 
now." 

To  this  I  made  answer  that  I  was  well  con- 
tent to  let  it  rest  as  he  desired,  and  bade  him 
not  to  be  distressed  on  that  account,  nor  on 
any  other  that  I  might  help  him  in. 


22 

He  seemed  very  grateful  for  these  simple 
words  of  mine,  grasping  my  hand  quickly, 
but  saying  nothing,  except  as  his  eyes  spake 
his  thanks. 

We  walked  back  to  the  boat  now,  and 
after  direction  to  the  men  to  call  for  him 
that  day  three  months,  he  watched  them  as 
they  pulled  back  to  the  vessel;  then,  after 
signal  with  his  kerchief  to  those  aboard,  he 
turned  to  me  with  a  more  cheerful  look 
than  heretofore  borne,  and  we  walked  on 
together  toward  the  house. 

As  my  men  had  all  gone  before,  I  offered 
to  help  him  with  his  bag,  which  tho'  not 
large  was  heavy  enough  as  I  could  well  see. 
He  thanked  me,  but  said  he  always  kept  it 
close  to  himself,  as  used  to  the  weight,  tho' 
it  might  burden  others.  I  think  that  besides 
his  apparel,  he  may  have  had  some  books 
and  papers  within  it  also  ;  which  would 
well  account  for  heaviness;  such  matters  in 
mass,  making  hard  carriage.  I  forbore  to 
talk  with  him  o'ermuch,  as  doubtless  wearied 
with  his  voyage  and  many  things  upon  his 
mind,  perchance  ;  but  he  seemed  to  have 
cast  much  burden  therefrom  (on  turning 
his  back  to  the  sea),  and  now  talked,  as  he 
looked,  more  cheerfully.  He  inquired  as  to 
my  father's  health,  and  said  he  had  oft 
heard  of  my  wife's  notable  courtesy  to 
strangers,  as  also  her  some  leaning  towards 


23 

the  Quakers'  belief,  who  were  indeed  a  good 
people  in  many  ways.  I  told  him  that  tho' 
my  wife  still  held  to  the  English  Church, 
yet  pitied  much  the  heavy  yokes  put  on 
the  Quakers  in  other  colonies  ;  somewhat  of 
their  sufferings  having  been  related  by 
Mistress  Gardiner,  (now  Mistress  Porter,) 
who  had  been  to  Narragansett  on  a  religious 
concern  of  late.  He  then  inquired  of  Mr. 
Winthrop's  last  visit,  (esteeming  him  above 
most  of  his  neighbours,  as  fairer  minded  to 
those  differing),  and  of  Captain  Atherton, 
Captain  Hutchinson  and  others;  but  in  par- 
ticular of  Mr.  Blackstone  and  Mr.  Williams, 
whether  so  often  here  as  in  former  times. 

He  seemed  to  know  well  the  names  also 
of  Indian  sachems  about  us,  inquiring  of 
several,  if  yet  peaceably  disposed  to  all,  as 
they  ever  were  to  Mr.  Williams. 

By  this  time  we  were  come  to  the  house, 
where  he  received  warm  greeting  from  my 
aged  father,  and  was  welcomed  heartily  by 
my  wife  too,  that  he  might  feel  himself  no 
stranger  here. 

Upon  his  going  to  his  room,  I  told  more 
in  particular  of  his  strange  coming  and  de- 
sire of  a  long  stay  with  us,  unknown  by 
name,  and  that  he  would  be  made  useful  in 
some  writing  for  us,  which  we  did  agree 
should  be  found,  to  ease  his  mind ;  and 
then,  as  he  entered,  sat  us  to  supper. 


24 

At  this  first  meal,  and  afterward,  I  could 
not  but  note  what  ready  use  he  made  of 
napkin  (as  always  familiar),  howbeit,  some 
very  worthy  visitors  were  clumsy  therein* 
being  unaccustomed. 

His  manner  with  servants,  too,  was  of 
one  used  to  being  served,  and  so  in  all 
things  he  clearly  showed  a  gentle  birth  and 
breeding.  His  discourse  was  easy  and  of 
much  profit  to  us,  from  his  wide  experience 
of  men  and  affairs,  as  also  much  drawn  from 
books,  showing  a  ready  acquaintance  in 
languages. 

As  to  this  last,  he  said  he  would  be  glad 
to  school  any  youth  in  Hebrew,  Greek  or 
Latin,  if  there  were  some  of  our  household 
or  near  unto  us  who  desired  such  teaching. 
We  told  him  this  might  be  in  later  years, 
as  good  signs  appeared  of  more  settlement 
than  now  in  lands  about  us,  which  should 
induce  a  more  lasting  stay  of  himself. 

To  this  he  answered  that  a  settled  abode 
near  us  would  much  pleasure  him,  and  might 
yet  be  brought  about,  after  a  space,  if  only 
some  business  in  Virginia  could  happily 
be  concluded,  tho'  only  time  might  unravel 
that.  As  he  courteously  bade  us  good  night, 
•he  said  he  would  attend  my  father  and  my- 
self in  the  morning  for  the  laying  out  of 
such  writings  as  we  should  engage  him  in. 

After  he   had  gone  we  fell  into  much  de- 


25 

bate  over  our  guest ;  what  his  history  might 
have  been,  his  reasons  for  keeping  his  name 
and  particular  affairs  so  close,  etc., — and 
this  not  from  any  desire  to  pry  upon  him, 
but  from  a  hearty  liking,  and  hope  to  be 
of  some  service  if  he  would  but  allow  it. 

We  were  well  agreed  that  he  had  a  most 
pleasing  address,  the  kind  of  manners  that 
could  come  only  from  a  good  heart ;  not 
such  as  some  do  carry  on  the  outside  alone. 

On  the  morrow  he  appeared  at  the  hour 
set,  and  we  made  good  study  of  papers 
and  accounts  used  in  our  barter  trade, 
which  was  then  considerable,  having  an  am- 
ple store  house  to  receive  our  goods. 

As  all  our  papers  were  kept  in  much 
method,  there  was  no  great  arrears  to  bring 
forward,  but  it  was  rather  a  matter  of  copy- 
ing more  clearly  things  writ  down  in  haste 
upon  some  sudden  call. 

When  all  was  laid  out  before  him,  (in  the 
little  room  set  apart  for  such  work),  and  a 
new  book  opened,  we  were  much  amazed, 
after  he  had  neatly  fashioned  the  quill's 
point,  to  see  what  fine  penmanship  was  his. 

Better  I  had  ne'er  seen ;  clear,  regular, 
yet  flowing  swiftly  from  his  hand  in  easy 
strokes,  so  that  it  was  e'en  a  pleasure  to 
watch  him  at  his  work. 

The  morning  was  allotted  for  this  writing, 
as  we  would  not  suffer  him  to  spend  more 


26 

time  upon  it ;  and  the  rest  of  the  day  was 
at  his  own  disposing,  with  freedom  for  the 
whole,  at  any  time  desired  of  him,  for  some 
special  undertaking. 

A  few  such  he  used  by  going  forth  in 
company  with  some  Indians,  to  visit  their 
traps,  wherein  were  caught  the  animals  that 
yielded  us  those  skins  we  bartered  for. 

He  was  a  good  fowler,  often  supplying 
our  table  from  his  hunting  of  birds,  as  well 
as  larger  game ;  but  his  great  delight  was 
fishing,  of  which  he  never  tired.  He  knew 
the  hiding  place  of  all  kinds  well,  and  how 
to  cunningly  lure  them  forth  ;  although  not 
venturing  upon  the  sea  overmuch,  preferring 
rather  a  pretty  stream  and  fishing  it  up  to 
the  source,  through  the  woods. 

So  with  writing,  fowling,  and  fishing,  and 
his  books  of  an  evening  (as  often  one  in 
pocket  when  he  took  his  rod),  the  time 
passed  quietly  to  our  guest,  with  more,  I 
think,  of  peace  and  content  than  his  life 
had  known  ere  reaching  us. 

Our  talk  was  mostly  at  meals,  whence 
arose  a  habit  of  lengthening  them  some, 
and  we  were  ever  profiting,  as  I  have  said, 
by  things  drawn  from  the  rich  store  of  his 
learning  or  experience. 

The  days  had  passed  swiftly  by  in  this 
pleasing  fashion,  until  scarce  a  week  re- 


27 

mained,  ere  he  should  leave  us;  a  matter 
that  it  liked  me  not  to  think  upon. 

Still  there  was  some  such  thought  in  my 
mind,  one  morning,  when  he  came  in  haste 
to  ask  for  a  day's  absenting  of  himself,  if 
no  hindrance  to  any  wish  of  mine.  I  an- 
swered quickly  that  any  day  he  might  use 
freely  ;  and  seeing  him  someways  disturbed 
in  manner,  asked  if  I  could  not  pleasure 
him  in  something  beside.  He  hesitated  a 
moment  and  then  said:  "If  any  land  from 
a  King's  ship,  I  pray  thee  keep  secret  my 
stay  here,  tho'  believe  me  no  King's  officer 
hath  rightful  claim  on  my  liberty." 

I  told  him  I  readily  believed  it,  and  gave 
assurance  that  none  who  might  land  should 
hear  mention  of  him.  At  this  he  pressed 
my  hand,  as  once  before  (on  our  first  meet- 
ing), and  soon  disappeared  with  fishing  rod 
and  book,  going  by  that  path  through  the 
wood  that  led  to  his  favorite  stream. 

I  had  some  wonder  that  he  thus  spake  of 
•King's  cruiser  (few  such  coming  our  way); 
but  looking  seaward,  soon  after,  I  did  indeed 
espy  a  ship,  tho'  too  distant  to  determine 
what  manner  of  one  she  was.  She  was 
nearing  however,  working  slowly  up  against 
a  head  wind,  and  at  length  'twas  evident 
she  was  none  other  than  a  King's  ship. 

It  then  came  to  me  that  my  nameless 
guest  had  seen  her  with  his  glass,  having  a 


28 

most  excellent  one,  that  he  oft  used  from 
his  window,  scanning  the  sea. 

The  vessel  showed  no  sign  of  coming  to 
anchor  near  us,  nor  did  she  lay  off  and  on 
in  any  waiting  ;  but  gaining  now  a  better 
slant  to  the  wind,  shaped  her  course  straight- 
way to  double  the  north  end  of  Conanicut, 
with  a  purpose  to  make  Newport,  as  seemed. 

Our  guest  returned  towards  eve,  and  at 
the  first  chance  I  could  get,  my  assurance 
was  given  that  the  ship  had  passed  unnotic- 
ing,  e'en  by  a  gun;  which  seemed  some  re- 
lief for  him  to  hear. 

He  thanked  me  for  my  care,  and  then 
fell  into  a  closer  talk  than  e'er  before,  as 
touching  England  in  particular.  First  ques- 
tioning me  as  to  report  of  my  service,  in 
years  past,  on  the  Protector's  side;  he  said 
many  saw  their  duty  thus;  and  most  of  his 
own  family  had  believed  the  right  lay  with 
that  side,  himself  agreeing  to  most  of  it, 
but  never  to  that  death  put  upon  King 
Charles  the  First  so  cruelly. 

True,  that  ill  fated  monarch  did  stand  too 
much  for  the  right  of  Kings  (even  to  the 
wronging  of  some  other  men),  yet  was  he 
honest  in  it,  if  too  opinioned,  and  (as  might 
now  be  seen)  no  good  could  come  finally  from 
such  harsh  dealings  on  him.  Nor  would  he 
countenance  that  other  harshness  now  be- 
ing worked  upon  those  who,  tho'  favoring 


29 

Cromwell,  yet  were  guiltless  of  the  King's 
blood;  and  he  deemed  great  injustice  done 
to  those  in  particular  whose  worst  offense 
was  some  kinship  to  those  stern  judges 
called  Regicides. 

At  that  last  word  his  voice  fell  lower,  and 
he  stopped  sharply,  as  if  he  might  have  said 
too  much.  Then  passed  through  my  mind 
the  thought  of  whether  'twere  possible  the 
man  before  me  might  be  some  way  related 
to  one  of  those  very  judges ! 

For  the  rest  of  the  week  life  went  on 
much  as  before,  and  the  ship's  recent  near- 
ness had  quite  gone  from  my  thoughts, 
however  it  might  be  with  our  guest. 

On  the  evening  before  he  should  leave 
us,  we  were  gathered,  after  supper,  at  first 
talking  in  some  cheerfulness  of  the  many 
pleasant  days  together,  and  how  quickly 
passed. 

I  remember  that  he  spoke  of  one  particu- 
lar enjoyment  I  had  given  him,  in  conduct- 
ing a  few  days  before  to  that  rock  where 
the  Indians  do  crown  their  kings  or  sachems. 

Some  silence  following  this,  there  came  a 
feeling  of  sadness  over  us  now  at  our  soon 
parting  with  one  who  had  much  endeared 
himself  to  all. 

His  gentle  ways,  his  honour  in  smallest 
things,  the  kindly  services  he  was  ever  ren- 
dering; these  were  the  things  I  was  musing 


30 

upon,  and  how  they  would  be  missed  on  his 
departure,  when  I  was  startled  by  the  sud- 
den moving  of  his  chair  to  a  new  place, 
close  beside  the  window  and  facing  the  door. 

He  must  have  heard  what  reached  not 
my  ear,  for  he  had  but  settled  on  this  other 
side,  when  the  door  was  rudely  thrown 
back,  without  warning,  and  two  ship's  offi- 
cers entered,  leaving  two  of  their  men  to 
bar  any  escape  through  doorway. 

"In  the  King's  name  I  arrest  thee  !"  said 
the  taller  one,  advancing  on  my  guest,  and 
was  for  naming  whom,  when  our  visitor, 
having  arisen  in  much  dignity,  sternly  said, 
"Forbear  more  speech.  I  am  unknown 
by  name  here,  advance  to  your  duty  upon 
me."  They  coming  now  nearer  toward 
him,  one  upon  each  side,  it  had  been  well 
they  had  made  quick  work,  for  there  was  a 
look  in  my  guest's  eye  (albeit  calm  other- 
wise) which  should  have  warned  them. 

I  had  always  seen  him  so  gentle,  that  I 
marveled  at  the  dangerous  look  his  eyes 
gave  forth,  which  I  can  only  liken  to  flash 
of  sword  :  nor  had  I  time  to  dwell  on  this, 
for  greater  amazement  came,  as,  quicker 
than  thought,  he  threw  both  of  them  back 
into  the  doorway  to  fall  upon  the  other  two, 
then  leaped  out  the  open  window! 

Nor  did  he  leave  till  he  had  called  back 
"  I  go  by  the  Pequot  Path  to  New  London, 


31 

where  you  may  greet  me  if  your  ship  be 
speedy  enough  to  catch  the  little  bark  that 
awaits  me  there !" 

There  was  a  dash  made  by  them  all  (when 
unwedged  from  the  narrow  doorway),  and  I 
heard  a  quick  firing  into  the  forest,  but  to 
none  effect,  for  they  returned  to  the  house, 
with  threats  of  future  vengeance  upon  me 
for  harbouring  the  one  who  had  'scaped 
them ;  and  then  hastened  to  their  ship  and 
sailed  for  New  London. 

Now  I  could  better  understand  why  our 
guest  had  made  himself  so  well  acquaint  with 
the  forest  paths,  and  if  he  borrowed  one  of 
our  horses  for  part  of  the  passage,  sure  I  am 
that  he  found  a  way  to  return  him  ere  long. 

It  was  the  next  day  (the  very  one  his 
vessel  should  have  arrived  to  bring  him 
away)  and  close  upon  the  hour,  being  nearly 
dusk,  when  I  walked  slowly  and  sadly 
toward  the  spot  where  first  I  saw  him;  and 
lo  !  as  I  live,  that  same  little  bark  was 
standing  in  !  I  rubbed  mine  eyes  to  make 
sure  I  saw  aright,  and  now  the  same  boat 
was  rowing  from  her  directly  toward  me. 

A  few  minutes  more  and  I  clasped  the 
hand  of  my  late  visitor,  he  whom  I  ne'er 
had  thought  to  see  again,  unless  in  chains. 

"What  madness  is  this,"  quoth  I,  "for 
glad  as  my  very  heart  is  to  greet  thee,  yet 
think  of  thy  danger."  "Think  not  at  all 


32 

of  that,  "  answered  he,  "  but  only  let  me 
thank  thee  for  kindnesses  that  I  ne'er  shall 
forget  so  long  as  my  troubled  life  doth  last. 
If  it  be  God's  will,  we  shall  meet  again,  but 
I  could  never  have  rested  more  had  not  my 
poor  thanks  now  been  given  thee.  Fare 
thee  well,  good  friend,  may  blessings  follow 
thy  pathway  ever ;  again,  farewell." 

Here  he  turned  quickly,  to  hide,  I  think, 
some  tears,  (for  tho'  as  brave  as  a  lion,  his  was 
a  gentle  spirit)  ;  and  hurried  to  the  boat 
awaiting  him,  with  no  further  adieu  save  a 
waving  of  his  kerchief  as  the  ship  sailed 
away. 

Oft  at  dusk  (the  time  of  both  his  comings) 
have  I  walked  upon  the  shore  where  he 
landed,  hoping  to  sight  his  bark  approaching. 
This  may  yet  be,  if  he  is  still  alive,  for 
(tho'  never  promising)  he  did  much  hope 
for  future  abode  near  us. 

I  would  fain  trust  that  this  may  come 
about,  for  never  have  I  been  so  saddened  at 
parting  with  visitor,  before  or  since. 

Where'er  he  goeth  some  good  shall  ever 
follow  his  steps,  and  in  the  content  he 
bringeth  others,  it  must  be  that  some  shall 
rest  with  him,  to  lessen  that  sorrow  which 
hath  laid  hold  upon  his  life.  Godspeed  my 
Nameless  Guest  in  all  his  ways  ! 

I  pray  you  of  the  Seven  Club,  keep  this 
writing  to  yourselves  (all  known  to  me  as 


33 

men  both  discreet  and  honourable) ;  for 
tho'  I  have  ne'er  suffered  the  promised  ven- 
geance for  my  harbouring,  yet  it  were  not 
wise  at  present  to  give  forth  to  the  world. 


NOTE.— In  1680  there  arrived  in  Na'rragansett  one  Theophilus 
Whaley,  from  Virginia,  where  he  had  lived  many  years.  He  lead 
a  life  of  some  mystery  in  his  new  abode.  He  was  acquainted 
with  the  dead  languages,  a  fine  penman,  etc.,  and  gained  his 
living  by  fishing,  teaching,  weaving  and  writing  deeds  for  his 
neighbors.  He  is  said  to  have  received  occasional  visits  from 
distinguished  people  outside  the  colony,  and  to  have  preserved 
an  unbroken  silence  as  to  his  early  history.  He  was  long  and 
persistently  believed  by  some  to  have  been  one  of  the  Regicide 
Judges  who  condemned  to  death  King  Charles  I.  This  was 
later  disproved,  but  that  he  was  in  some  way  related  to  one  of 
them,  and  that  he  had  seen  service  in  the  Parliamentary  army 
is  still  believed  by  many. 

Was  this  :the  "  Nameless  Guest"  of  Mr.  Smith,  finally  come 
to  dwell  here  as  he  had  fondly  hoped  ? 


MR.  WILLE.TT-S  TALE. 


A    STRANGE    LADING    AT    THE    KENNEBEC. 


A  visit  from  Mr.  Jefferay  to  my  home  at 
Swanzey,  whereby  I  much  profited  in  his 
converse,  occasions  this  relation  of  a  befall- 
ing in  my  earlier  years. 

If  the  Seven  Club  care  for  its  reading, 
perchance  there  may  be  enough  therein  to 
interest  them  for  a  brief  space.  My  life 
hath  been  so  oft  beset  with  strange  happen- 
ings, from  wide  travel,  both  of  sea  and 
land,  that  I  am  at  a  loss  of  which  to  relate. 

But  I  can  promise  you  it  shall  not  be  of 
phantom  ship,  fountain  of  youth,  nor  phil- 
osopher's stone ;  having  ne'er  come  upon 
the  two  first,  nor  found  any  method  by 
which  stones  might  yield  gold,  other  than 
the  removal  of  them  that  a  good  harvest 
might  take  their  place,  with  help  of  honest 
toil.  (Perchance  'twas  this  golden  grain  the 
philosopher  had  in  mind). 

I  did  think  to  have  told  you  something, 
(not  too  well  known)  about  the  rock  a  few 
miles  eastward  of  my  dwelling,  whereon 
are  inscribed  dive'rs  messages  from  early 
dwellers  in  these  parts  (many  years  before 
our  English  came),  but  this  would  make  too 
long  a  tale  for  now. 


35 

A  little  of  my  earlier  history,  (ere  I  come 
fair  upon  the  story  I  am  to  tell  you)  may 
here  be  not  amiss. 

My  father  and  grandfather  were  minis- 
ters, the  last  being  Prebend  of  Ely  Cathe- 
dral ;  near  that  Cambridge  in  whose  univer- 
sity were  schooled  Mr.  Jefferay,  Mr.  Wil- 
liams and  Mr.  Blackstone,  so  well  esteemed 
throughout  your  colony.  But  although  my 
first  youth  was  passed  in  England,  I  was 
still  young  while  I  tarried  in  Leyden ;  gain- 
ing there  a  knowledge  of  the  Dutch  tongue, 
that  hath  since  advantaged  me  in  my  trad- 
ing, and  in  some  service  at  Manhattan.  I 
came  to  New  England  by  the  ship  Lion  in 
1632,  and  the  next  year  was  made  a  freeman 
of  Plymouth  Colony.  Some  years  later  I 
was  upon  trading  at  the  Kennebec,  of  which 
more  anon  and  still  later  was  appointed 
Mayor  of  New  York,  being  the  first  English 
one. 

So  much  for  the  general  course  of  my 
life,  to  show  something  of  its  travel,  (and 
travail  too  shall  appear)  bringing  me  now 
to  the  time  you  know  of,  when  I  built  at 
Swanzey,  upon  your  borders  ;  a  happy  haven 
which  shall  be  my  last.  Not  to  tax  your 
patience  farther,  I  will  enter  now  upon  the 
particular  relation  that  you  have  awaited 
my  telling. 

It  is  of  what  befell  me  in  a  voyage  to  the 


36 

Kennebec,  one  of  many,  but  this  not  so 
well  known  about  in  general,  there  being 
some  folly  in  it  that  I  have  covered  hitherto. 

My  estate  had  already  so  grown,  by  good 
fortune  (with  some  skill  mayhap  in  trading 
voyages),  that  I  needed  no  addition  to  my 
store,  yet  thought  to  venture  once  again. 

There  was  indeed  much  of  chancing  in 
this  business,  at  best,  for  what  with  the 
treachery  of  Indians  (tho'  not  all  so),  dan- 
gers of  sea,  and  furs  not  always  plentiful 
(besides  uncertainty  as  to  good  market  for 
them),  'twere  not  sure  what  the  final 
accounting  might  be. 

Nevertheless  being  determined  on  one 
more  trial,  I  made  all  ready  and  started 
forth  on  my  last  voyage  to  the  Kennebec, 
in  my  own  ketch,  well  found  and  manned. 
The  wind  favoring,  we  fetched  into  the 
mouth  of  that  great  river  in  less  time  than 
I  had  e'er  before  made. 

Beaver  was  what  we  chiefly  sought,  but 
these  skins  we  found  scarce,  and  what  we 
came  upon  not  so  good  as  desired  ;  for  it 
hath  ever  been  my  rule  to  get  the  best  pos- 
sible, believing  well  in  that  old  saying 
"good  choosing  saveth  losing." 

After  much  time  spent  in  visiting  all  the 
places  I  could  bethink  me  of  where  skins 
might  be  had  (either  by  barter  with 
Indians  or  our  own  hunting),  I  had  nigh  de- 
spaired of  finding  any  worth  the  taking. 


37 

One  evening,  as  we  lay  at  anchor  in  a 
bend  of  the  river,  I  had  come  upon  the 
deck  for  a  last  look  that  all  were  well,  be- 
fore going  to  my  bunk ;  then,  pausing  a 
moment,  thought  how  these  same  stars  shone 
upon  my  loved  ones  at  home,  and  hoped  I 
might  not  return  so  empty-handed  to  them 
as  it  feared  me  I  should. 

I  was  now  turning  to  go  below,  when  I 
heard  the  noise  of  paddle  approaching,  and 
soon  was  hailed  by  an  old  Indian  well  known 
to  me  in  former  barterings.  He  had  no 
beaver  with  him,  and  said  he  would  try  for 
none,  because  the  Great  Spirit  was  angry  at 
such  slaughter  as  had  been  made  in  seasons 
gone.  A  year  must  pass  before  any  hunted. 

When  I  pressed  him  for  a  method  by 
which  I  might  load  my  vessel,  he  would  not 
allow  he  knew  of  any,  until  finally  (finding 
me  determined  to  stay  the  season  out)  he 
did  admit  there  was  one  speedy  and  sure 
way.  This  could  only  be,  however,  by 
selling  my  soul  to  the  Spirit  of  Evil ;  at 
which  word  he  fell  into  such  a  trembling 
that  I  thought  he  might  lose  what  few  teeth 
were  left  him. 

Now  as  I  believed  not  over  much  in  our 
English  spirits  (as  having  any  power  to 
work  evil)  there  seemed  little  to  fear  from 
this  Indian  one ;  so  I  quickly  asked  where 
these  skins  might  be  found. 


38 

The  old  Indian  (on  much  persuading)  at 
last  gave  me  a  course  to  steer  for  them,  but 
prayed  that  I  should  not  follow  it,  as  leading 
but  to  destruction. 

I  marked  carefully  down  his  ranges  (so 
not  to  miss  my  way  upon  the  morrow)  and 
heard  what  else  he  had  to  tell ;  something 
as  to  a  pile  of  beaver  skins  ready  every 
morning,  thus  my  vessel  quickly  filled,  where- 
upon she  should  be  caught  in  a  great  whirl- 
pool and  carried  down  to  home  of  Evil  Spirit. 

Being  sleepy  by  this  time  I  paid  not  much 
heed  to  the  last  of  it,  but  before  parting 
with  the  old  Indian,  told  him  to  pick  out 
anything  from  my  store  of  goods  that  might 
suit  his  fancy ;  thinking  to  pleasure  him 
the  most  by  that  way  of  thanks.  To  my 
amazement  he  refused  (tho*  I  ne'er  knew 
Indian  before  lose  so  good  a  chance)  and 
left  in  much  sadness  that  he  could  not  pre- 
vail on  me  to  sail  homewards  without  the 
beaver. 

On  the  morrow  we  made  sail  right  early, 
and  by  noon  were  well  abreast  of  that  place 
the  Indian  had  given  such  clear  guidance  to; 
having  carried  a  good  wind  all  the  way. 
Here  we  anchored,  and  then  started  at  once 
in  our  boat,  for  the  shore.  I  steered  her  as 
directed,  in  a  narrow  channel  between  some 
high  growing  reeds  and  rushes,  leaving  the 
main  river  soon;  and  when  we  had  passed 


39 

betwixt  two  great  hemlocks  on  banks  of 
this  smaller  stream,  stopped  short  just  be- 
yond them  to  make  landing  for  further 
search. 

A  narrow  path  led  through  a  tangle  of 
brambles,  and  arrived  to  a  little  square 
within,  we  found  in  truth  a  pile  of  beaver 
skins  that  might  not  have  their  match  for 
beauty  anywhere ! 

When  some  recovered  from  our  marvel- 
ing we  hastened  to  fill  the  boat,  and  made 
enough  trips  ere  nightfall  to  finish  the 
whole  pile  ;  all  safely  within  my  vessel. 

The  next  morning  my  crew  were  some 
puzzled  that  I  should  start  them  forth  again, 
but  on  arriving  within  the  thicket  (tho'  I, 
too,  doubted  some)  verily  a  pile  was  there, 
much  as  before. 

Seeing  much  wonderment  in  the  faces  of 
my  men,  I  told  them  it  mattered  naught  to 
us  if  some  would  work  at  night,  for  we  did 
profit  by  it  in  finding  all  ready  in  the 
morning. 

And  here  I  found  myself  beginning  to 
use  some  quibbles  of  deceit  upon  my  crew 
in  explaining,  or  seeming  to,  of  the  matter; 
with  worse  following,  as  to  payment,  which 
I  said  should  be  at  Plymouth — as  far  from 
the  truth  as  we  from  that  place. 

I  had  been  esteemed  always  as  more  than 
passing  honest,  with  a  hope  that  I  deserved 


40 

it,  for  I  did  take  special  pride  in  ever  keep- 
ing true  my  word.  There  was  like  now  to 
be  a  humbling  of  this  pride  (which  hath 
been  so  well  said  to  go  before  a  fall) ;  for 
from  the  time  I  first  came  upon  that  ac- 
cursed store  of  beaver,  an  evil  spirit  indeed 
seemed  to  possess  me — whether  the  Indian's 
or  some  other,  I  know  not. 

Tho'  still  marveling,  my  men  toiled  on 
through  the  days  (seven  in  all)  needful  to 
finish  our  lading;  yet  it  made  much  dis- 
content, when  I  forced  them  to  work  upon 
the  Sabbath,  and  was  only  accomplished  by 
threats  and  promises  of  share  in  gains. 
This  again  shows  the  spirit  that  had  pos- 
session of  me,  to  so  change  my  nature  and 
custom  as  to  urge  Sabbath  breaking. 

At  length  all  was  finished,  the  last  skin 
aboard,  hatches  secured,  and  vessel  ready 
for  homeward  voyage  ;  with  such  a  cargo 
of  beaver  as  Plymouth  had  never  seen. 

I  was  upon  ordering  sail  made  and  anchor 
up,  when  espying  a  black  cloud  coming 
quickly  toward  us,  with  a  freshening  of 
wind,  I  awaited  the  issue. 

Nor  was  it  for  long,  as  indeed  I  ne'er  saw 
heavens  so  soon  o'ercast,  nor  ever  of  such 
inky  blackness;  but  before  I  had  fairly 
noted  this  there  came  a  sheet  of  flame  with 
so  loud  a  crash  that  it  might  well  be 
thought  the  last  day  had  come  and  wrath 


41 

with  it.  I  do  believe  the  ketch  was  fairly 
rent  in  twain,  for  tho'  partly  stunned,  I 
knew  that  I  was  going  down  into  the  sea 
between  the  two  sides  of  her. 

There  was  little  hope  I  should  come  to 
the  top  again,  for  though  a  strong  swimmer, 
I  was  held  down  by  such  swirling  and  eddy- 
ing that  my  struggle  availed  not  at  first. 
When  finally  freed  from  that  which  held  me 
(I  know  not  whether  spirit  of  evil  or  other 
sprite),  I  came  to  the  air  and  light  near 
choking  ;  so  that  no  power  was  in  me  at 
first  to  look  around  for  men  or  vessel. 

When  recovered  enough  to  gaze  about 
me  I  found  ketch,  cargo,  and  worst  of  all, 
my  poor  crew,  disappeared  forever;  only  the 
boat  remaining;  wherein  I  soon  clambered, 
thanking  God  for  such  help  left  from  the 
wreck  as  might  yet  save  me. 

The  boat  had  been  fastened  to  us  by  a 
rope  (which  flash  of  lightning  must  have 
severed),  and  was  well  found  in  sails  and 
oars,  with  store  of  food  also  ;  having  an  in- 
tention to  do  some  hunting  (ere  we  left  the 
river's  mouth)  to  gain  a  supply  of  fresh 
meat  for  our  voyage  homeward. 

Stepping  now  the  mast,  I  made  sail  on 
her  and  ran  off  before  a  good  fair  wind  ; 
not  turning  my  face  once  toward  the  horrid 
spot  which  had  so  near  proved  my  ruin. 
No  thought  did  I  give  to  loss  of  vessel  and 


42 

freight,  but  for  the  fate  of  men  I  blamed 
myself  much,  and  grieved  most  sorely. 

Should  I  by  God's  help  'scape  new  perils 
and  arrive  safe  home,  there  was  a  resolve 
within  me  never  to  return  eastward  again, 
as  indeed  I  never  did. 

My  spirits  rose  somewhat  with  the  lively 
movement  of  the  boat,  and  a  thought  which 
now  came  to  me  that  as  I  was  well  pro- 
visioned it  might  happen  I  should  arrive 
finally  to  some  settlement  adown  the  coast. 

I  should  have  reached  even  to  some 
measure  of  happiness,  in  escape  from  that 
evil  spirit's  thrall,  but  for  thinking  of  my 
crew. 

Here  I  took  a  little  comfort,  however, 
when  I  bethought  me  that  they  were  men 
chanced  upon,  just  before  sailing,  having 
come  from  off  a  wrecked  ship  ;  and  so  not 
Plymouth  men  with  families  (as  indeed 
they  had  none  they  could  call  such). 

By  this  time  I  was  come  into  a  better 
heart  (as  you  have  seen)  than  when  my 
lading  was  adoing ;  and  surely  I  must  have 
been  beside  myself  then  to  have  so  changed 
my  nature  in  all  things. 

My  right  course  was  now  plain,  to  leave 
all  this  evil  behind,  and  manfully  fight 
through  the  perils  to  come  ;  which  tho'  dire 
ones  enough  perchance,  yet  might  be  en- 
countered by  natural  means. 


43 

I  sailed  late  into  the  night,  not  wishing 
to  lose  aught  of  the  favoring  breeze  ;  and 
brought  up  at  last  in  a  little  cove,  where 
was  good  shelter,  anchoring  a  cable  length 
from  shore. 

The  second  day  the  wind  still  held  to 
favor  me,  and  tho'  I  had  given  up  hope  of 
meeting  other  traders  (all  now  gone,  as  use- 
less to  linger  in  barren  hope),  yet  it  might 
chance  a  fisherman  would  be  sighted. 

No  such  vessel  was  seen,  and  the  second 
night  found  me  snug  behind  a  little  island, 
but  none  too  soon,  as  it  came  on  to  blow 
just  after,  holding  for  near  a  week. 

After  I  had  moored  my  boat,  it  seemed 
wise  to  rig  some  shelter  ashore  ;  so  carrying 
my  sail  and  part  of  the  food,  a  little  back 
from  the  landing  place,  I  gained  good  cover 
under  some  sheltering  of  a  rock. 

Here,  with  aid  of  sail,  I  kept  out  of  the 
fury  and  drive  of  the  gale,  until  it  brake  ; 
both  dry  and  warm,  with  help  of  fire. 

As  my  store  of  food  was  now  nigh  ex- 
hausted, I  decided  on  making  a  run  of  it  for 
Casco  Bay,  where  was  some  housing  at  least, 
with  a  chance  of  a  vessel  bound  for  Boston 
or  Plymouth. 

So  filling  my  water  cask,  I  sailed  fairly 
out  upon  the  ocean,  not  deeming  likely  an- 
other storm  might  so  soon  arise  as  to  o'er- 
take  me. 


44 

By  the  help  of  God  I  reached  Casco 
safely,  and  in  such  good  fortune  as  to  find 
a  vessel  just  upon  sailing  for  Plymouth, 
whose  master  readily  gave  me  passage 
thence. 

Upon  arrival  at  my  home  there  was  some 
inquiry  for  vessel,  cargo  and  crew,  tho'  as 
the  venture  had  been  mine  alone,  there  was 
not  so  close  questioning  as  partners  would 
surely  make. 

Another  matter  that  barred  queries  for 
the  present,  was  arrival  of  a  ship  from  Eng- 
land ;  making  great  bustle  in  passing  of 
news  and  unlading  cargo ;  with  some  meet- 
ing of  old  friends,  too. 

It  thus  happened  that  I  escaped  better 
than  I  could  have  hoped  from  telling  of 
what  befell ;  and  going  soon  on  some  busi- 
ness to  Manhattan,  ere  I  returned  my  mis- 
hap was  crowded  from  the  minds  of  most 
(being  indeed  known  in  a  general  manner 
only). 

This  is  the  first  clear  relation  I  have  e'er 
made  of  it;  never  before  having  given  this 
inner  history  of  my  lading. 

One  thing  I  learned  from  this  bitter  ex- 
perience; to  be  ever  careful  of  taking 
something  and  giving  nothing  in  exchange. 
Such  may  well  prove  the  costliest  kind  of 
gift,  as  you  have  seen  in  my  own  case. 

The  old  Indian's   advice,  if  taken,  would 


45 

have  saved  some  lives  and  my  own  peace 
of  mind,  to  say  naught  of  a  fine  vessel's 
loss. 

Should  you  inquire  whether  it  might 
truly  have  been  a  Spirit  of  Evil  who  nightly 
brought  the  beaver,  and  finally  wrecked  me 
in  such  awful  manner  ;  I  can  only  reply  that 
within  man  much  evil  is  engendered  when 
once  he  setteth  his  mind  upon  following  a 
short  path  to  wealth.  It  were  much  wiser 
to  keep  in  the  old  ways  (well  proved  as 
good)  even  when  toilsome  and  slow  of 
travel. 

I  know  not  if  other  evil  spirit  than  this 
possessed  me  ;  but  whether  come  by  natu- 
rally or  in  a  spirit  way,  never  before  had  I 
such  wicked  inclinings. 

As  to  the  skins,  ever  ready  for  lading,  I 
have  not  yet  hit  upon  a  way  in  nature  to 
explain  it.  Their  quantity  and  fineness  was 
such  that  I  know  not  where  man  could  ever 
find  the  like  ;  and  I  have  long  desired  to 
bring  this  matter  before  those  with  more 
wisdom  to  unravel  than  I  find  within  my- 
self. Should  this  never  happen  then  it  still 
remaineth,  a  strange  lading  at  the  Kenne- 
bec. 


MR.  BLACKSTONE-S  XALE.. 

THREE  GHOSTLY  APPEARINGS    AT    STUDY 

HILL. 


Let  none  think  because  I  shall  tell  of 
ghostly  appearings,  that  I  would  declare 
them  ghosts  in  verity  ;  for  I  count  myself 
less  credulous  than  most.  I  would  find 
sound  and  weighty  reasons  for  all  unusual 
happenings,  believing  most  may  be  finally 
come  at.  So  you  shall  see  that  some  of  the 
appearings  which  seemed  only  spirit,  proved 
on  close  study  to  be  earthly,  and  what  still 
remain  without  reason  your  greater  wisdom 
may  unravel ;  thus  giving  great  content  to 
me,  as  something  confounded  and  perturbed 
therein. 

My  placing  at  Study  Hill  is  so  remote 
from  neighbors,  that  many  esteem  it  lonely  ; 
but  I  deem  it  not  so,  tho'  having  'tis  true 
much  quiet  for  nice  observance,  which  per- 
chance hath  sharpened  my  looking  into  lit- 
tle things,  or  those  in  general  called  small. 

I  have  studied  upon  these  spirit  matters 
too,  in  my  store  of  books  (than  which  none 
better  hereabout)  and  while  I  tend  my  gar- 
den and  orchard  I  ponder  on  what  I  have 
seen  and  read. 

Although    my  dwelling   is   in    Plymouth 


47 

bounds,  yet  so  upon  the  edge  of  it  that  my 
friends  from  the  plantation  at  Providence 
may  reach  me  with  as  much  ease  as  those 
of  Rehoboth  ;  and  some  of  the  Bay  (who 
still  are  my  friends)  do  call,  upon  occasion, 
tho'  not  so  easy  come  by. 

I  have  Indian  callers  oft-time  (and  good 
friends  among  these)  wherefrom  I  learn 
much  that  their  special  training  makes  them 
wiser  in  than  our  English.  If  I  go  not  forth 
much  from  home  (except  to  Narragansett, 
upon  Mr.  Smith's  desire  that  I  should  preach 
the  word  there)  yet  I  lack  not  visitors  as 
I  have  shown  you,  and  these  bring  the 
world's  news  to  my  smaller  world.  So  much 
in  general,  but  in  particular  I  would  name 
Mr.  Newman,  minister  at  Rehoboth,  and  Mr. 
Williams  of  Providence,  with  both  of  whom 
I  have  had  rare  good  converse.  Mr.  New- 
man hath  died  since  the  time  I  specially 
write  of,  but  Mr.  Williams  still  comes  to  me, 
and  of  late  I  had  a  much  valued  visit  from 
Mr.  Jefferay  (who  may  read  this  to  you  of 
the  Seven  Club). 

So,  though  retired,  you  may  not  hereafter 
think  of  me  as  lonely,  nor  without  some 
company  at  seasons,  which  is  sufficient  an- 
swer to  those  who  have  said  that  my  lonely 
state  had  oped  my  mind  the  more  to  ghostly 
imaginings. 

My    chief   delight    is   in    my    books   and 


48 

trees ;  and  regarding  these  last  how  to  get 
the  choicest  fruit  therefrom.  When  I  come 
upon  a  new  and  better  kind  I  am  ever 
giving  out  slips  to  those  desiring  such  cut- 
tings to  graft  upon  their  sourer  stock. 

I  have  some  reputation  in  my  fruit  and 
a  pride  that  I  hoped  to  be  pardoned  in,  if 
I  continue  to  give  freely  of  these  grafts. 
But  much  as  I  would  like  to  dwell  on  this, 
I  must  leave  it  for  my  ghosts. 

I  believe  it  is  at  about  dusk  that  I  have 
most  thought  of  spirit  comings,  as  whether 
any  spark  of  truth  might  lie  in  the  flares  so 
many  have  lighted  on  this  matter.  It  hap- 
peneth  that  two  of  my  appearings  have  to 
do  with  fire,  which  shall  soon  be  seen,  as  I 
close  upon  the  tale. 

But  first  as  to  the  leading  up  to  it,  with 
fair  foundation,  ere  I  build  my  story.  You 
must  know,  at  the  commencement,  that  my 
house  standeth  on  a  little  hill,  or  mound, 
rising  from  the  banks  of  that  river  which 
some  do  call  by  my  name. 

Now  in  front  of  this  house  I  was  standing 
just  at  that  time  of  dusk  I  spake  of,  with 
my  eyes  resting  on  a  fair  prospect,  but  my 
mind  away  from  it,  though  not  upon  spirits 
then. 

I  was  trying  to  rid  myself  of  some  bitter- 
ness in  the  remembrance  of  censures  and 
hardnesses  put  upon  me  by  the  bishops,  ere 


49 

I  left  England,  because  their  ways  had 
seemed  too  narrow  and  strait  for  me  to 
walk  in  (tho"  not  narrow  in  that  best  scrip- 
ture way).  Nor  did  I  like  much  better  the 
way  that  some  would  have  us  walk  at  the 
Bay  ;  so  I  bethought  me  that  as  I  left  there 
also  for  more  liberty,  and  found  it  with 
peace,  here,  'twere  well  that  now  all  bitter- 
ness of  spirit  should  be  forgot.  Whereupon 
this  feeling  of  peace  at  home  set  me  to 
looking  about  more  ere  I  went  in,  which  I 
must  soon  do  as  something  weary,  at  the 
end  of  a  long  June  day. 

In  this  last  observing  before  I  turned  to 
my  door,  I  was  some  startled  by  a  sudden 
flaming  up  of  fire,  yet  not  like  burning 
brush ;  spreading  and  playing  differently 
and  climbing  not  so  high  as  that. 

I  was  soon  on  deciding  to  know  more  of 
such  a  strange  light,  so  acquainting  my  wife 
(who  would  have  stayed  me,  but  I  assured 
her  of  care  to  my  steps)  I  quickly  set  forth, 
making  a  course  into  that  part  of  the  woods 
which  appeared  nearest  the  flame. 

Being  fairly  dusk  in  the  open  space  about 
my  house,  I  found  it  blacker  yet  in  the 
woods,  the  path  soon  leading  me  into  some 
depression  where  I  could  not  see  the  fire  at 
all.  When,  on  rising  again,  I  had  it  once 
more  in  view,  I  could  not  perceive  that  I  was 
any  nearer,  and  after  many  windings  forth 


50 

through  stony  ways  (where  I  near  tumbled 
my  length  at  times)  yet  there  was  no  visible 
gain  made  toward  the  light. 

Arrived  now  upon  some  soft  mire,  I 
would  fain  have  been  glad  for  those  stones 
to  step  on,  for  I  stuck  so  fast  at  times  that 
I  feared  my  prisoning  might  last  the  night. 
But  the  light  now  brightening  again,  as 
nearer  at  last,  showed  me  a  better  way 
through ;  and  ere  long  I  reached  the  banks 
of  a  little  pond  that  was  all  aflame,  though 
water  hath  no  quality  to  burn  as  I  had  ever 
been  taught. 

To  see  such  burning  did  indeed  much 
amaze  me,  and  if  some  beauty  in  it,  yet  so 
unearthly,  and  the  air  so  dank  and  chill  that 
I  was  more  dispirited  than  pleasured.  Still 
I  marked  well  what  I  did  see  and  had  waited 
longer,  only  that  a  most  doleful  cry  close  at 
my  back  caused  me  to  turn  (in  some  shak- 
ing at  that  or  the  cold  I  was  in)  to  find 
cause  for  such  wail ;  when  on  a  sudden  the 
fire  went  out  and  I  was  left  to  get  myself 
out,  too,  if  possible  in  that  darkness,  still 
blacker  now  from  the  late  flaming. 

How  I  ever  got  me  through  that  mire 
I  know  not,  for  when  viewed  by  daylight  it 
seemed  no  less  than  a  miracle  that  I  had 
'scaped  all  those  holes,  or  quagmires  as  called, 
wherein  to  fall  would  have  been  sure  death. 

Thankful    indeed    was    I    at  safe  coming 


51 

from  such  dire  peril,  wherein  it  seemed  I  had 
been  lead  by  false  lights,  with  that  cry  of  Evil 
Spirit  at  last  to  confound  my  understanding. 

After  I  had  got  me  home  and  something 
cleaned,  I  would  not  rest  till  I  had  searched 
my  books  for  some  matching  of  circumstance 
in  water's  burning.  At  last  I  found  a  kind 
of  reason  for  such  appearing,  which  the  old 
writer  said  might  be  from  a  bubbling  up. 
ward  of  gas,  so  called,  that  hath  a  burning 
quality  if  a  spark  be  rightly  struck  upon  it. 
But  I  have  queried  much  who  struck  the 
spark,  and  whence  that  doleful  cry,  and  why 
all  so  nicely  circumstanced  for  my  destruc- 
tion? Some  say  the  cry  was  from  a  loon, 
but  I  thought  it  not  his  note,  nor  any  other 
that  e'er  I  heard  before.  However  these 
things  may  be,  I  will  rest  someways  content 
(tho1  not  so  cleared  as  likes  me  best)  that  all 
were  due  to  causes  natural,  and  nothing  of 
spirit  in  them. 

Now  am  I  come  to  the  second  appearing, 
which  as  you  shall  see  will  have  fire  in  it 
also,  and  did  happen  in  this  wise. 

I  had  been  a  toilsome  day's  journey  to 
visit  a  wonder  (as  generally  esteemed  by  the 
few  who  e'er  saw  it)  called  Cobbling  Rock, 
some  half  score  of  miles  northerly  from  my 
home.  And  here  I  would  pray  your  pa- 
tience while  I  give  some  description  of  that 
which  so  few  have  seen. 


52 

I  know  not  whether  I  could  have  come 
upon  it  but  for  an  Indian  lad  in  part  guiding 
me  there,  through  a  devious  path,  now  in 
the  woods,  and  anon  by  river's  bank. 
When  suddenly  seen  before  me,  as  hardly 
expecting,  I  found  indeed  much  to  marvel 
at,  in  the  rock  itself  and  its  placing. 

It  is  upon  a  rising  ground  (thick  wooded 
all  about)  whereon  is  found  a  sort  of  tabled 
rock,  low  lying;  with  balanced  upon  it  a 
great  bowlder,  as  if  rolled  there  in  giant's 
play,  and  by  some  chance  stopped  from 
further  moving.  A  gentle  push  might  start 
it  afresh,  as  seemed,  but  a  hard  one  of  us 
both  started  it  not,  tho'  the  lad  thought  it 
did  move  a  little,  which  I  deem,  however, 
but  his  fancy.  He  told  me  that  the  ancient 
men  of  his  tribe  say  that  in  distant  ages, 
two  great  chieftains  of  the  spirit  world, 
warring  with  each  other,  one  threw  this 
great  rock  along  the  ground  (as  we  do  bowls) 
and  after  crashing  through  miles  of  forest, 
here  it  balanced  so  strangely  at  last. 

Whether  there  be  aught  of  truth  in  such 
spirit  work  or  not,  it  remains  a  wonder 
worth  the  seeing,  that  a  rock  the  bigness  of 
some  houses,  should  poise  upon  its  end  so 
nicely  that  one  might  deem  a  wind  would 
topple  it  over. 

When  my  amazement  was  satisfied  at 
this,  we  sat  us  down  (but  not  too  near  the 


53 

path  it  might  roll)  and  rested  a  space,  with 
some  refreshment,  and  then  started  on  our 
return. 

It  was  dark  and  growing  darker  ere  we 
neared  Scott's  pond  (as  since  called  by  some) 
where  now  our  paths  divided.  Here  I  was 
upon  bidding  the  Indian  lad  good  night, 
when  he  fell  into  a  trembling  and  pointed 
out  to  me  a  dancing  light  near  the  ground 
and  toward  that  pond  I  spake  of.  On  my 
starting  forward  that  way,  to  know  it  bet- 
ter, he  begged  me  to  turn  my  steps  from  it, 
else  might  I  be  lured  to  my  death  as  others 
hap  had  been. 

When  he  found  I  would  not  be  prevented, 
he  sadly  left  me,  speeding  another  way, 
and  I  followed  slowly  the  false  light,  as 
deemed  by  him.  Yet  it  seemed  a  prankish, 
sportive  light,  sometimes  upon  the  ground, 
then  climbing  a  little,  hiding  at  times,  and 
anon  dancing  forth  again,  as  making  merry 
at  my  chase. 

I  gained  not  much  upon  it  at  the  first,  as 
it  gambolled  about,  leading  in  a  crooked 
course,  but  at  last  it  perched  upon  a  little 
tree  just  out  of  reach  above  me,  and  then  I 
sat  awhile  for  rest,  and  to  examine  so  well 
as  I  could  into  its  substance,  whether  really 
of  fire  or  not. 

I  was  beginning  to  have  an  idea  of  its  size, 
and  admiring  the  brightness  of  it,  when  all 


54 

became  black  about  me  ;  my  beacon  had 
disappeared ! 

New  amazement  was  mine,  when  turning, 
at  sound  of  a  lapping  near  me,  I  found  all 
around  was  naught  but  water ! 

My  first  thought  was  to  jump  into  the 
waves  (now  making  from  some  breeze)  and 
swim  to  the  shore,  for  I  was  in  a  kind  of 
terror  at  this  voyage  of  land  through  water 
to  perchance  some  dreadful  death,  if  the 
lad's  tale  was  true.  Yet  bethinking  now  of 
icy  springs  that  might  cramp  me,  I  stayed 
for  other  chancing  of  help  to  bring  me  forth. 

This  second  thought  I  believe  did  save 
my  life,  for  those  poor  souls  who  had  been 
lost  no  doubt  had  jumped  on  that  first  mad 
desire  for  freedom,  when  the  light  left  them 
to  a  black  voyaging  on  this  floating  island. 

Your  wisdom  hath  already  seen  that  it 
was  indeed  upon  such  an  island  I  was  sail- 
ing, and  that  ere  long  (as  pressed  forward 
by  the  wind)  I  made  safe  port  upon  the 
other  shore ;  but  I  had  as  yet  heard  no 
report  of  this  marvel,  being  newly  come  to 
Study  Hill.  Trust  me  I  waited  not  to  see 
whether  eerie  crew  did  moor  my  bark,  but 
made  speedy  landing,  and  quickly  got  me 
home. 

Now  there  is  wonder  enough  in  an  island 
that  shall  float  and  make  voyagings,  but  the 
light  which  lured  me  to  it,  and  near  wrecked 


55 

my  life  by  sudden  leaving,  was  greater  mar- 
vel yet. 

Upon  searching  afresh  in  my  books,  how- 
ever, I  did  get  therefrom  some  account  of 
Will-o-the-Wisps,  so  called,  which  this  was, 
mayhap  ;  as  also  gaseous  like  the  first,  but 
of  different  quality  'tis  certain.  The  year 
of  which  I  write  was  notable  for  many 
strange  lightings ;  as  never  before  was 
known  such  a  number  of  rainbows  (both  of 
sun  and  moon)  with  many  too  of  those 
northern  lights,  while  for  quantity  and  bright- 
ness in  phosphorus  lighting-up  of  the  sea  I 
never  saw  match.  When  to  these  things  be 
added  a  host  of  dropping  stars  that  year,  it 
were  possible  that  both  the  lights  that  so 
mocked  me  were  engendered  and  drew  their 
quality  from  the  air  and  sea,  full  to  over- 
flowing with  brightness.  So,  wishing  to  do 
fairly,  I  will  e'en  count  both  my  lights 
natural  ones,  howbeit  I  follow  such  no  more 
and  would  advise  others  not.  Some  have 
told  me  there  was  a  double  warning  in  what 
I  have  seen,  and  that  fire  may  yet  visit  my 
home;  but  as  to  this  I  borrow  no  trouble. 

And  now  to  the  last  appearing,  which 
(having  now  done  with  fire)  I  hope  may 
pleasure  you  more  than  the  others,  tho' 
harder  to  find  natural  reason  for. 

It  was  dusk,  as  before,  and  while  I 
sat  by  the  door  of  a  summer  eve,  I  had 


56 

thought  much  of  my  Cambridge  days,  with 
a  remembrance  at  the  end  of  old  Dr.  Caius, 
and  the  curious  gates  placed  by  him,  at  the 
college  of  his  name,  whereof  he  was  mas- 
ter. He  called  these  the  gates  of  Humility, 
Virtue  and  Honour,  and  they  long  shall  live, 
monuments  to  the  wise  and  good  builder. 

The  moon  was  darkened  as  I  pondered 
this  last  matter,  and  on  parting  of  some 
clouds  shone  forth  now  in  her  beauty  again  ; 
when  I  saw  under  this  new  flood  of  light,  a 
tall  figure  standing  by  the  river's  bank. 
Even  at  that  distance  there  was  a  dignity 
in  his  bearing  that  I  could  not  but  perceive, 
and  noting  his  dress  also,  which  was  a  kind 
of  loose  robe,  I  saw  that  he  caught  it  up  a 
little,  as  he  turned  and  slowly  came  toward 
my  house. 

I  wondered  much  to  see  a  stranger,  and 
such  an  one,  approaching  at  this  hour  to  my 
poor  retired  spot  at  Study  Hill ;  but,  as  he 
came  nearer,  I  arose  and  bade  him  welcome, 
with  an  offer  of  some  refreshment.  This  he 
gravely  declined,  thanking  me  with  stately 
courtesy,  nor  could  I  prevail  on  him  to  be 
seated ;  so  joining  him  in  a  slow  walk,  we 
paced  backward  and  forward  in  the  path 
that  maketh  in  front  of  my  house. 

"  When  you  were  in  Cambridge,"  quoth 
my  visitor,  "  did  you  pass  through  those 
gates  of  mine  at  Caius,  the  ones  called 
Humility,  Virtue  and  Honour?" 


57 

At  these  words  I  shivered  as  from  cold, 
for  I  was  enlightened  on  a  sudden  that  this 
grave  man  was  none  other  than  Doctor 
Caius,  or  rather  that  it  was  his  spirit  who 
thus  walked  and  talked  with  me. 

He  turned  to  me,  on  this  question,  with 
so  kindly  a  look  (yet  a  little  of  sadness  in 
it)  that  I  recovered  my  spirits  in  time  to 
answer  soon  that  I  knew  the  gates  well. 
I  told  him,  moreover,  that  his  conceit  of 
the  gates,  liked  me  much,  in  thus  symboliz- 
ing such  virtues,  esteeming  it  a  most  useful 
lesson. 

The  low  gate  (that  first  and  meaner  one) 
did  put  the  youth  upon  some  knowledge  of 
his  own  lowliness,  as  all  too  oft  entering 
with  little  store  of  humility. 

So  was  it  wise  to  study  a  course  afterward 
leading  through  no  other  gate  than  virtue, 
until  that  final  passing  to  a  degree  through 
that  last  gate  of  honour. 

He  heard  me  as  if  well  pleased,  and  then 
with  a  sigh  (from  some  remembrance  I 
ween)  spake  again.  "The  gates  cost  me 
much  study  in  the  planning,  and  no  small 
sum  in  their  building,  but  I  am  well  content 
in  them  ;  and  my  chief  delight  is  to  walk 
through  those  gateways  in  the  quiet  hours 
of  the  night,  when  my  youths  are  asleep. 
I  love  all  Cambridge-bred  men,  whether  of 
my  particular  college  or  thine  of  Emanuel, 


58 

br  any  other  belonging  to  the  ancient  uni- 
versity ;  and  I  am  well  pleased  to  see  thee 
placed  in  so  sweet  a  retiracy  for  study 
of  nature  and  books.  I  am  much  drawn  to 
thee  and  this  reposeful  spot,  but  time 
presses,  and  duty  now  calls  me  far  away  ; 
wherefore  I  must  follow  that  call,  for  so  I  ever 
taught  my  lads  that  they  must  do.  I  came 
to  see  if  thou  hadst  chosen  as  wisely  as 
reported  to  me,  and  leave  thee  content  in 
that." 

His  manner  was  so  noble  and  kindly, 
with  a  gentle  dignity  back  of  it,  and  his 
words  came  with  such  sweetness  and  truth, 
that  I  almost  held  my  breath  to  listen,  and 
fearing  to  lose  him  from  a  little  fading  of 
his  form  at  the  last  of  his  speaking,  I  was 
on  begging  him  to  stay,  when  lo  !  he  was 
gone.  This  grieved  me  much  both  for  sor- 
row at  parting  from  so  kindly  a  ghost,  and 
because  of  a  question  or  two  I  had  thought 
to  ask  him ;  howbeit  I  had  refrained,  as 
knowing  that  ghosts  in  general  better  like 
to  talk  than  to  be  talked  to  by  us  mortals. 

Though  I  soon  betook  me  to  bed,  it  was 
long  ere  I  gained  any  sleep  for  thinking  of 
my  visitor,  of  what  he  said  and  how  he 
looked. 

In  the  morning  I  told  all  to  my  wife,  and 
though  she  marvelled  some  at  what  I  said, 
yet  questioned  me  close  whether  it  might 


59 

not  have  been  a  dream,  as  I  sat  by  the  door 
in  peaceful  slumber.  But  you  will  see  that 
this  could  not  well  be,  with  such  nice  match- 
ing of  circumstance,  and  I  would  have  your 
good  counsel,  as  to  this  happening,  what  it 
might  mean.  It  is  the  only  one  of  the 
three  appearings  that  I  can  find  no  natural 
cause  for,  so  am  I  the  more  desirous  for  a 
better  understanding  of  it.  The  fires  I 
have  satisfied  you  on,  I  trust,  but  not  this 
last  happening. 


NOTE. — Although  Mr.  Blackstone  was  spared  loss  by  fire 
during  his  life,  yet,  strangely  enough,  very  soon  thereafter  his 
house  was  burned  (at  the  outbreak  of  the  Indian  war)  as  if  in 
tardy  fulfilment  of  what  some  had  prophesied  as  a  result  of 
his  double  warning. 


DOCTOR  CRANSTON'S 


A    MARVELOUS   CURE   AT   NEWPORT. 


It  doth  ever  happen  that  a  physician  sees 
many  strange  things  if  his  practice  holdeth 
to  as  many  years  as  mine  hath  grown. 
When  the  body  wasteth,  the  mind  oft  en- 
genders humours  and  conceits  that  would 
find  no  lodgment  there  in  health.  It  were 
wrong  to  take  speech  or  behaviour  then  as 
an  ensample  of  health,  and  worse  still  for 
physician  to  make  known  abroad ;  a  folly 
greater  than  the  sick  man's  imaginings. 

So,  rest  assured,  I  shall  o'erstep  no 
bound  of  discretion,  in  naming  any,  or  tell- 
ing aught  that  should  offend.  You  know 
my  reputation  as  a  bar  to  this,  and  have 
seen  the  public  evidence  of  esteem  in  my 
skill,  when  I  was  licensed  to  administer 
medicine  and  recorded  as  Doctor  of.  Physick. 
Now,  having  good  assurance  that  naught 
herein  shall  ill  affect  an}'-,  you  may  hear 
how  one  who  came  for  benefit  of  my  skill 
fared  therein,  and  how  I  fared  by  him. 

I  had  returned  late  one  evening  from  a 
long  ride  up  the  island^  well  tired,  being  not 
yet  hardened  to  such  service,  for  it  was  in 
the  first  year  of  my  practice.  I  pulled  off 


61 

my  boots  (changing  to  easier  gear  to  rest 
my  feet)  then  pushed  together  the  embers 
of  the  fire  to  warm  myself  ere  betaking  me 
to  bed,  and  leaned  back  in  my  chair  with  a 
beginning  of  some  comfort,  when  I  heard 
a  thumping  upon  the  outer  door. 

I  paid  no  heed  to  this  at  the  first,  for  an)' 
who  saw  my  light  would  soon  enough  enter 
if  on  urgent  errand,  and  I  desired  not  to  go 
forth  from  my  content  within  except  on 
real  need  ;  as  the  bringing  in  of  a  new  life, 
or  making  easy  the  passage  out  for  one 
whose  case  was  beyond  my  help. 

I  went  on,  therefore,  casting  up  in  my  mind 
what  money  might  come  to  me  from  this 
hard  day's  work  with  those  who  were  sick, 
and  others  who  thought  themselves  so ;  not 
forgetting  a  good  allowance  for  bad  pay, 
many  accounts  (as  doctors  well  know)  a 
loss  in  themselves  and  but  waste  of  paper 
and  ink  to  try  for  their  collecting. 

I  was  reaching  a  nice  point  upon  this 
summing  -up  (from  the  bleeding  of  one 
whose  full  habit  needed  relief,  another's 
black  draught,  a  lotion  for  an  old  dame's 
rheumy  bones,  besides  oil,  garlic,  and  oint- 
ments for  lesser  bruises,  colic,  etc.) — when 
again  came  the  knocking,  and  harder,  as 
with  a  stick;  upon  which  with  some  vexa- 
tion at  such  rude  interruption  upon  my 
comfort,  I  shouted  loudly  to  enter.  This 


62 

the  knocker  did  without  further  invitation, 
and  I  heard  heavy  slow  steps  advancing 
through  the  passage  towards  my  room,  with 
a  sound  as  if  the  stick  was  used  to  help  his 
progress. 

Anon  appeared  a  grave  looking  man,  of 
middle  life  and  stature,  using  a  crutch  to 
aid  his  steps,  and  with  one  leg  lifted  from 
the  ground ;  some  pain  also  showing  in 
his  face  as  I  helped  him  to  a  seat. 

Inquiring  now  as  to  his  hurt,  he  motioned 
toward  his  left  leg,  which,  on  removal  of 
some  bandaging,  I  saw  was  so  broke  below 
the  knee  that  it  must  be  speedily  lopped 
off.  This  he  also  seemed  to  know,  for  he 
now  addressed  me  thus:  "  I  would  have  thee 
speedy  in-  thy  cutting,  for  it  groweth  late, 
and  my  time  is  short,  being  needful  for 
other  matters;  so  bring  forth  thy  tools  and 
while  thou  art  at  work  on  my  poor  leg,  I 
will  regale  myself  with  a  pinch  of  snuff 
from  this  box,  none  handsomer  to  be  seen." 

I  did  not  then  observe  his  snuff  box,  but 
got  to  my  work  at  once,  and  finished  as 
soon  as  might  be  ;  not  a  sound  coming  from 
my  patient,  except  his  sneezing,  as  indeed  I 
some,  from  the  snuff  in  the  air  about  me. 

When  I  had  made  a  finish,  and  stood  back 
in  some  satisfaction  at  the  work  (being  in 
verity  my  first  taking  off  a  limb  unaided 
by  older  physician),  the  visitor  again  spake : 


63 

"  Now  if  thou  wilt  treat  the  other  part  of 
my  leg  as  well,  I  will  e'en  carry  it  away  for 
further  use." 

This  speech  did  much  amaze  me,  till  the 
thought  came  that  his  pain  and  keeping  un- 
der any  show  of  it  had  touched  his  head  ; 
and  to  humour  him  I  prepared  his  late 
member  as  if  alive. 

When  all  was  done,  he  gazed  on  it  with 
great  content  awhile,  and  then  said,  "  As  to 
pay,  most  skillful  doctor,  I  will  return  this 
day  a  year  hence,  at  same  hour  (being  just 
upon  twelve)  and  give  thee  thy  due  twice 
over,  save  for  one  thing,  which  if  it  so  hap- 
pen, I  shall  quittance  have  from  paying 
anything." 

He  paused  here  a  moment  to  take  a  fresh 
pinch  of  snuff,  and  then  proceeded  :  "  The 
one  thing  that  shall  bar  thy  receiving  any 
pay,  is  good  proof  of  a  sound  joining  of  the 
two  parts  of  this  leg.  If  this  proof  be  made 
'tis  my  acquittance,  but  failing  therein,  I 
must  pay  thee  double  fee  for  thy  services. 
As  pledge  of  my  good  faith  I  leave  this 
golden  snuff  box  of  most  curious  workman- 
ship, the  calling  for  which  shall  be  evidence 
that  it  is  thy  patient  who  demands  it. 
Notice  too  this  odd-fashioned  mole  on  the 
piece  of  leg  just  treated,  a  mark  to  recall 
me  with  when  next  we  meet.  Now  must  I 
get  me  to  my  boat,  lying  close  by  at  end  of 


64 

street,  and  when  arrived  at  the  ship  will 
seek  my  cabin  for  a  few  days'  rest  till  these 
parts  of  my  leg  do  join  ;  so  fare  thee  well 
till  our  next  meeting." 

If  amazed  at  this  speech,  I  was  the  more 
so  now  to  see  him  moving  away  with  the 
piece  of  leg  under  one  arm,  and  crutch  un- 
der the  other ;  out  through  the  passage 
and  into  the  street  even,  before  I  could 
recover  myself.  Coming  out  of  this  mar- 
veling, I  started  up  to  put  on  my  boots, 
that  I  might  follow  the  poor  demented 
creature  lest  he  should  do  himself  some 
serious  hurt;  but  here  an  accident  befell 
that  stayed  me  till  too  late. 

As  my  patient  went  forth,  he  had  placed 
in  my  hand  the  snuff  box,  which  I  was  now 
for  putting  on  the  mantel  shelf,  when,  by 
some  chance  I  hit  the  spring,  and  forth  flew 
the  snuff  in  such  a  cloud  that  eyes  and  nose 
were  filled  to  smarting,  and  for  some  space 
I  could  not  see  my  boots,  much  less  draw 
them  on. 

When  at  last  recovered  in  a  measure  from 
my  sneezing,  coughing  and  weeping,  I  hur- 
ried out,  and  followed  the  short  pathway  to 
the  water-side,  but  found  no  boat,  though  I 
thought  a  distant  sound  of  oars  could  be 
heard. 

Upon  my  return  to  the  house,  I  placed  the 
snuff  box  carefully  away  from  sight  and 


65 

use,  for  I  wished  not  to  try  its  contents 
further. 

It  was  long  ere  I  could  summon  sleep  to 
rest  my  still  smarting  eyes,  and  my  aching 
head,  filled  with  thoughts  of  the  strangeness 
of  my  visit  and  visitor.  On  the  morrow  I 
tried  to  make  all  but  a  dream,  yet  there 
was  the  snuff  box,  proving  that  what  I  had 
seen  was  no  vision. 

And  now  as  the  time  approached  toward 
the  end  of  that  year's  space  of  which  my 
patient  spake,  I  pondered  much  whether  in- 
deed I  should  see  him  again,  scarce  believ- 
ing it  possible.  If  demented,  surely  I 
should  ne'er  see  him  more,  and  if  in  reason, 
certes  it  were  impossible  he  could  make 
good  his  word  of  such  miracle — joining  of 
leg's  parts ;  so  the  snuff  box  seemed  like  to 
be  my  only  pay. 

Toward  the  close  of  the  time,  too  much 
dwelling  upon  this  matter  did  some  affect 
my  health  and  spirits,  and  I  have  since 
heard  complaint  that  my  attention  was  less 
close  upon  my  work,  answers  made  at  ran- 
dom, and  medicines  given  that  griped  where 
they  should  have  soothed. 

A  bill  or  two  I  made  acquittance  of  tho' 
still  unpaid,  and  sent  in  other  accounts  that 
had  already  been  discharged,  to  my  great 
discomfort  on  finding  such  medley  made. 

I    roused  me    from  this  unsettled  way  of 


66 

thought  and  action  in  time  to  save  my 
practice,  having  learned  a  good  lesson  from 
it,  which  I  will  pass  on  to  younger  doctors' 
profit,  if  any  perchance  need  it.  Physicians, 
of  all  men,  must  keep  their  minds  on  their 
work  as  the  old  saying  hath  it;  this  is 
what  I  learned  and  would  have  others  know. 

They  have  to  do  with  that  God-given  life 
(more  precious  to  Him  than  to  us  even,  who 
so  prize  it)  and  like  the  good  steward  of  holy 
writ  must  be  faithful  in  small  things  as  well 
as  great. 

The  physician  must  be  also  vigilant, 
quick  to  see  and  act  (upon  good  judgment) 
and  vastly  patient,  knowing  no  defeat  till 
the  poor  body  he  has  ministered  to,  be  re- 
turned to  dust,  the  soul  to  its  maker. 

Now  he  cannot  be  all  these  with  a  mind 
upon  drinking,  gaming,  or  dreaming  even 
(as  I  had  done)  or  indeed  upon  anything 
that  shall  create  disturbance  in  the  thoughts. 
True,  have  I  seen  great  cures  by  men  who 
did  all  these  things,  being  by  nature  most 
expert,  and  setting  bounds  upon  their  license 
at  times,  to  work  great  good,  but  these  may 
be  uncertain  if  not  dangerous  counsellors. 

So  let  younger  physicians  in  especial 
remember  that  while  there  is  a  time  for 
merriment,  pleasures  rightly  come  by,  and 
dreamings  even ;  yet  must  these  not  bar 
nor  hinder  the  way  towards  the  least  (as  we 


67 

call)   of   those    children   of  God,    to  whom 
ministrations  are  needful. 

If  now  besides  a  natural  calling  and  the 
hard  study  to  skill  you,  there  shall  be  the 
close  attention  I  have  warned  you  of,  I  see 
no  reason  why  you  of  the  younger  sort  may 
not  reach  to  the  estate  of  some  of  us  elder 
ones.  There  is  one  thing  more  I  would 
have  you  possess  (but  that  is  as  God  willeth, 
for  I  know  not  how  come  by  if  nature  give 
nothing  of  it);  some  grains  of  common  sense, 
seasoned  with  a  little  dry  humour.  This 
will  help  you  through  many  hard  places, 
and  serve  you  as  well  as  your  learning, 
many  times. 

True  it  is  that  some  physicians  hold 
themselves  with  much  gravity  and  solemnity, 
as  necessary  to  the  dignity  of  their  profes- 
sion, and  if  there  be  no  pompous  affectation 
in  it,  there  is  not  much  harm  ;  yet  'twere 
well  to  carry  it  more  naturally  (not  to  do 
worse,  however,  by  tiring  a  patient  with  idle 
chatterer  ill-timed  mirth).  A  steady  cheer- 
fulness were  best  of  all,  back  of  which  lieth 
oft  the  humour  I  spake  of. 

But  to  come  back  to  my  story ;  the  day 
at  last  arrived  and  nigh  upon  that  hour 
when  the  marvel,  if  ever,  should  come  to 
pass. 

I  sat,  as  before,  in  my  accustomed  place 
by  the  fire,  and  I  do  confess  in  a  little  un- 


68 

easiness,  while  the  clock  was  slowly  striking 
the  hour  of  midnight  ;  for  I  could  feel  that 
my  heart  beat  faster  time,  as  I  strained 
mine  ear  at  sound  of  footsteps  faintly  heard 
or  fancied,  on  the  frozen  ground  near  my 
house.  Fancy  it  was  not,  for  there  was  a 
pause  now,  and  then  a  thump  upon  the  outer 
door,  which  so  startled  me  (tho'  some  pre- 
pared) that  I  jumped  from  my  chair. 

Vexed  at  my  own  disquiet,  -I  called 
loudly  to  enter,  following  which  came  a 
sound  like  to  that  before,  of  steps  and  stick  ; 
so  that  my  conclusion  was  quickly  made  of 
no  joining  of  limb,  else  why  the  use  of 
crutch  ? 

I  was  now  angered  some  to  have  thought 
such  thing  possible,  and  more  that  he 
should  have  dared  to  put  such  folly  before 
me  for  my  sober  belief;  and  was  ready  to 
rebuke  him  for  such  trifling,  when  there 
stood  before  me  the  same  man  indeed,  his 
crutch  with  him,  but  not  in  use,  for  handing 
to  me  and  bowing  low,  he  thus  spake: 
"  Greeting,  kind  friend,  and  take,  I  pray 
thee,  this  now  useless  crutch,  for  my  leg  is 
so  happily  joined  that  I  do  believe  it  sounder 
than  its  mate  !  " 

Seeing  me  marvel  at  this,  he  quickly  re- 
moved leggings  and  hose,  and  showed  his 
leg  (mole  mark  and  all)  as  neatly  joined  as 
might  be,  with  a  little  band  about  the 


69 

place.  He  capered  about  now  in  such  cur- 
vetings  and  jumpings,  to  show  its  usefulness, 
that  I  was  nigh  dizzy  and  begged  him  to  be 
seated,  and  tell  me  how  this  wonder  came 
about. 

I  gained  not  much,  save  that  he  lay  quiet 
in  his  berth  a  month,  by  which  time  it  had 
knit  together  well;  and  he  then  commenced 
careful  use,  following  soon  with  no  more 
care  than  was^iven  to  the  other  leg. 

He  stoutly  averred  that  it  was  mine  own 
skill  in  fitting  each  member  (doubtful  as  I 
had  been  of  any  joining)  that  did  bring  the 
wonder  about  when  he  placed  the  parts  to- 
gether. 

"  If  thou  canst  as  well  practice  in  all 
branches  of  thy  profession,"  quoth  he, 
"  thou  might  well  betake  thyself  to  London, 
where  many  could  advantage  of  thy  skill, 
and  thyself  gain  much  profit.  Rest  assured 
that  I  shall  publish  afar  thy  skill,  and  ever 
be  glad  to  show  in  myself  the  evidence  of  it. 

"Tho'  thou  mayest  not  take  gold  from 
me  by  our  contract,  yet,  as  showing  myself 
not  ungrateful,  I  pray  thee  to  keep  this 
snuff  box,  so  cunningly  inwrought.  It  may 
not  only  serve  as  some  remembrance  of  me, 
but  perchance  as  proof  to  any  unbelieving 
soul,  that  so  wonderful  a  cure  was  made. 
It  was  fashioned  by  a  most  skillful  gold- 
smith, long  years  since,  across  the  seas,  and 


70 

hath  some  magic  qualities  if  they  be  come 
upon.  Take  good  note  of  the  workmanship, 
and  then  of  its  double  opening,  for  touch 
but  the  right  spring,  and  the  back  opens, 
thus,  with  mine  own  miniature  painted  on 
ivory  ;  and  again  closing  that,  turn  the  box  to 
touch  another  spring,  if  thou  wouldst  have 
snuff  yielded  forth.  Now  fare  thee  well,  for 
time  presses  and  I  must  away  ;  keep  well 
this  box,  and  the  crutch  tootl  leave  with 
thee." 

The  last  of  this  came  to  me  something 
mistily,  for  upon  his  word  about  the  snuff 
yielding  forth  on  touch  of  spring,  it  scat- 
tered so  bountifully  that  eyes,  nose  and 
mouth  were  filled  as  once  before,  and  for 
sneezing,  weeping  and  coughing  I  could  not 
have  thanked  him  if  I  had  tried,  nor  bent 
much  on  trying  by  reason  of  the  pain  I  was 
in.  I  have  ever  since  been  most  careful  in 
handling  of  this  magic  box,  tho'  little  snuff 
remaineth  ;  and  that  little  should  have 
emptied  but  for  the  thought  that  part  of 
the  magic  might  lie  in  the  snuff  itself.  It 
is  indeed  of  a  most  pungent  kind,  as  any 
may  find  to  their  cost  if  they  will  try  its 
quality. 

Upon  the  morrow  I  made  wide  inquiry 
for  a  ship  seen  entering  or  leaving  port,  but 
heard  of  none,  so  this  coming  and  going, 
like  the  first,  must  have  been  in  the  night ; 


71 

a  special  business  to  gain  my  services,  and 
afterward  to  thank  me. 

My  friends  have  differed  much  in  their 
opinions  upon  this  great  cure.  A  few  have 
deemed  it  impossible  ;  going  so  far  away  for 
reason  as  the  supposal  of  a  twin  brother 
sent  the  second  time  to  work  a  deceit  on 
me,  with  mole,  too  ! 

Others  did  say  I  should  have  loosed  that 
little  band  about  the  joined  place  and  looked 
for  contrivance  of  hooks  or  bracings — yet 
the  flesh  of  that  lower  part  was  in  as  good 
health  as  the  rest  of  the  leg. 

One  indeed  did  say  all  was  but  an  inven- 
tion of  mine  own  to  puff  up  my  practice, 
with  crutch  and  snuff  box  secretly  procured 
for  so  poor  a  purpose.  This  one  bore  an 
ancient  grudge  against  me,  however,  of 
which  becoming  disabused  finally,  he  did 
repent  him  of  his  story,  and  agreed  it  was 
mere  spleen  and  envy  made  him  spread  it 
forth. 

So  it  would  seem  indeed  that  this  matter 
must  rest  as  none  other  than  a  marvelous 
cure,  until  better  unraveling  be  found  ;  yet 
I  will  promise  no  more  such,  tho'  I  hope  in 
most  things  as  skilled  as  any. 

I  have  oft  since  thought  of  my  grave-ap- 
pearing caller,  and  in  particular  of  that  first 
visit ;  how  calmly  he  moved  away  with 
crutch  under  one  arm  and  his  piece  of  leg 


72 

under  the  other,  leaving  me  so  choking  and 
sneezing  with  his  snuff  that  I  had  no  power 
to  stay  him,  nor  voice  to  dissent  from  his 
contract.  The  magic  box  I  still  treasure 
carefully,  and  have  showed  to  many  who 
have  heard  something  of  it. 

This  account  I  have  now  writ  out  is  the 
fullest  I  have  e'er  made  of  a  matter  that 
hath  caused  inquiry  in  letters  to  me  from 
far  and  near,  so  wide  hath  my  patient  spread 
the  tale  of  his  marvelous  cure,  and  my  skill 
therein. 


MR.  BAULSTONE'S  XALE. 


THE   FIRST   CALLER    TO    MINE   INN   AT 
PORTSMOUTH. 


It  hath  been  my  good  fortune,  of  late,  to 
read  some  tales  that  were,  upon  occasion, 
related  at  the  Seven  Club,  as  called;  and  so 
much  have  I  pleasured  in  them,  that  it  hath 
stirred  me  to  put  into  writing  some  recol- 
lections of  mine  ere  I  do  forget  them.  If 
this  shall  be  deemed  worthy  of  the  reading, 
I  pray  Mr.  Jefferay  so  to  do  at  his  club,  and 
if  the  tale  limpeth  hardly  in  parts,  from  my 
clumsiness  in  putting  together,  yet  I  would 
fain  hope  there  may  be  a  kernel  to  please 
you  in  some  corner  of  it. 

But  I  would  indeed  rather  wait  upon 
guests  at  mine  inn  from  dawn  to  dusk  than 
put  my  hand  to  pen  for  an  hour's  space. 
Mr.  Jefferay  and  others  of  the  club  have 
been  wont  to  praise  my  claret,  and  I  have 
some  content  in  believing  that  I  am  a  pass- 
ing good  host ;  but  for  this  business  of  scribe 
it  tasks  me  sore  to  do  e'en  fairly  well  in  it. 
With  less  excuse  I  could  not  commence, 
and  now  without  more  ado,  to  my  tale. 

It  was  May  the  twentieth,  in  the  year 
1638,  that  I  was  granted  liberty  to  set  up 
my  house  of  entertainment  for  strangers ; 


74 

and  ere  many  days  I  was  ready  for  such 
custom  as  might  come,  having  hung  my 
sign  in  a  perspicuous  place,  as  desired  by 
those  in  authority. 

It  was  nigh  dusk,  and  as  I  sat  by  the 
doorway,  resting,  after  a  day  of  much  toil, 
my  mind  ran  upon  many  things. 

I  bethought  me  of  that  fair  home  across 
the  seas,  which  I  had  left  but  a  few  years 
aback,  with  a  hope  for  more  freedom  in 
religion  on  reaching  New  England  than  I 
had  left  in  Old. 

Then  came  remembrance  of  my  sorrow 
(bitter  indeed),  at  the  worse  hardships  suf- 
fered in  the  Massachusetts  by  many  of  us  ; 
fines,  disfranchisement,  and  discharge  from 
public  offices,  because  of  our  expressed 
belief  in  Mr.  Wheelright's  innocence,  and 
that  the  court  had  condemned  the  truth  of 
Christ.  Next  came  thoughts  of  our  happy 
arrival  at  this  dear  isle  of  Aquidneck,  where 
if  the  labour  be  at  first  hard,  yet  is  there 
peace  with  it,  from  a  liberty  of  conscience 
elsewhere  denied. 

After  contenting  myself  that  some  plant- 
ing had  been  secured,  and  housing,  if  rude, 
accomplished  ;  I  last  of  all  fell  to  pondering 
on  who  should  be  my  first  customer. 

I  was  debating,  upon  this,  whether  I 
should  give  free  entertainment  of  drink  to 
this  first  comer,  in  respect  he  was  such  (tho' 


75 

no  merit  perchance  in  that) ;  when  a  voice 
at  my  elbow,  as  if  one  had  read  my  thoughts, 
did  thus  salute  me.  "  The  first  one  greeted 
hath  indeed  good  warrant  for  bed,  board 
and  drink,  as  thou  well  sayest." 

Now  I  had  not  said  nor  thought  thus  far, 
yet  was  a  little  confounded  at  the  sudden- 
ness of  this  speech,  as  supposing  none  near 
me. 

More  wonderment  followed,  when,  turn- 
ing, before  I  gave  answer,  I  saw,  seated 
close  beside  me,  a  man  whom  mine  eyes 
had  ne'er  before  rested  upon. 

I  had  no  thought  that  my  first  caller 
would  be  other  than  some  one  of  our  own 
company,  for  it  was  early  yet  in  our  settle- 
ment for  any  chance  guest  from  the  main. 

The  stranger  was  so  oddly  fashioned  in 
face  and  form,  that  I  can  liken  him  only  to 
the  one  Mr.  Jefferay  and  Mr.  Clarke  have 
told  you  of,  who  had  that  ring  in  his  left 
ear  only,  as  did  this  man  indeed,  with  other 
markings  the  same  as  you  have  beforetime 
heard. 

When  I  was  some  recovered  from  my 
wonder,  I  was  upon  answering  him,  with  a 
thought  to  lessen  his  too  large  interpreting 
of  my  welcome,  when  he  again  spake. 
"  Thou  makest  me  so  welcome  that  I  will 
not  be  outdone  in  courtesy.  I  pray  thee 
therefore  that  I  may  settle  all  score  of  any 


76 

who  shall  this  evening  make  merry  at  the 
opening  of  thine  inn. 

It  shall  be  a  housewarming  indeed,  for  all 
thy  friends  will  surely  come  to  enjoy  thy 
good  cheer. 

Make  them  welcome,  with  no  thought  of 
pay,  for  I  will  settle  their  score.  But  if 
thou  hast  any  doubt  of  me,  I  will  e'en  pay 
thee  now,  having  in  this  bag  enough  good 
pieces  of  gold  to  satisfy  many  such  accounts. 

Listen  to  the  music  of  its  clinking,  and 
now  try  how  heavy  it  may  be,  as  truly  the 
carrying  of  such  weight  hath,  with  my  long 
travel,  much  wearied  me,  so  that  I  fain 
would  rest.  Bid  thy  boy  therefore  carry 
the  bag  to  my  room,  where  I  must  soon  fol- 
low for  the  repose  I  so  much  need." 

Upon  his  ending  this  talk,  I  was  so  well 
satisfied  of  his  solid  worth,  that  taking  then 
the  bag  (which  was  both  heavy  and  sweetly 
clinking)  I  called  my  boy  and  bade  him 
carry  it  to  the  best  chamber;  with  message 
to  my  wife  to  give  us  as  quickly  as  might 
be,  the  best  supper  possible,  for  our  guest 
could  have  known  only  the  daintiest  fare, 
to  be  so  rich  in  gold. 

"  I  must  beg  a  little  from  thy  store  of 
tobacco,"  quoth  my  visitor,  "and  then  I 
will  answer  thy  question  of  my  travels." 

It  had  surely  been  in  my  thought  to 
have  asked  him  this,  yet  certain  am  I  that 


77 

no  speech  had  been  made  by  me,  for  e'en 
when  ready,  he  seemed  to  read  it  in  my 
face,  and  answered  the  thought  ere  I  could 
utter  it. 

Now,  as  he  puffed  forth  great  clouds  of 
smoke,  did  he  commence  again:  "I  have 
traveled  in  this  America  of  yours  from  the 
Isles  of  Shoals  to  the  Carribees,  and  am 
lately  come  from  the  first,  tho'  how,  thou 
shalt  ne'er  guess." 

He  did  here  pause  a  little,  but  tho' 
I  did  try  to  tell  my  guessing,  yet  could  I 
nothing  speak;  partly  I  think  from  marvel- 
ing at  the  wide,  squat  form  of  him,  his  hairy 
brows,  and  piercing  eyes. 

"  I  left  the  Isles  last  night  at  stroke  of 
twelve,"  but  here  I  started  back  so  sharp 
and  quick  (to  hear  of  such  dispatch)  that  my 
chair  toppled  over,  thumping  my  head  right 
smartly;  at  which,  thinking  I  heard  a  low 
laugh,  I  looked  up  at  him  before  I  rose,  yet 
perceived  no  mirth  in  my  visitor,  who  pro- 
ceeded most  gravely.  "  My  dispatch  came 
about  from  my  magic  boat,  now  riding  at 
anchor  close  by  yonder  shore.  She  is  fash- 
ioned from  a  scale  of  that  grisly  and  mighty 
sea  serpent  that  causeth  such  havoc,  to  the 
eastward  mostly,  but  sometimes  nearer  thy 
coast.  This  boat  doth  have  such  a  hold 
upon  her  parent  that  he  cannot  refuse  to 
pull  me  about  in  her,  wherever  I  will,  and 


78 

whenever  I  demand  it  of  him,  if  I  may 
once  get  hail  of  him ;  not  always  done 
with  ease,  however,  as  he  liketh  not  the 
labour,  and  will  avoid  me  if  he  can,  by 
keeping  outside  my  call.  On  yesternight 
did  I  espy  him  off  the  isles  I  spake  of,  too 
distant  perchance  he  thought  for  eye  or 
voice  to  reach  him.  But  my  eyes  are  pass- 
ing sharp,  and  my  voice  tho'  sweet  and  low 
to  women,  (who  ever  delight  in  my  converse) 
yet  can  put  on  so  loud  a  quality,  when  need- 
ful, as  reacheth  far  away. 

So,  spying  him  a  long  way  out,  under  the 
moonlight's  beam,  I  hailed  loudly,  and 
right  speedily  he  came,  but  with  a  manner 
so  enraged  as  would  have  frighted  most  to 
see  it.  What  angered  him  the  more  was  the 
finding,  on  his  approach,  that  I  had  given 
passage  to  a  mermaid,  the  fairest  of  all 
those  who  did  once  disport  themselves  about 
the  Isles  of  Shoals,  and  the  last  one,  she 
only  'scaping,  the  rest  crunched  into  pieces 
and  eaten  by  this  cruel  monster,  in  years 
gone  by.  This  last  one  (now  safe  within 
my  charmed  boat)  I  had  promised  to  bring 
with  me  to  Aquidneck,  as  being  a  safer  spot 
than  where  she  had  hitherto  been.  So, 
paying  out  a  goodly  length  of  line  to  the  sea 
serpent,  that  we  might  avoid  the  splashing 
of  his  tail,  we  were  soon  speeding  merrily 
along;  the  mermaid's  fears  of  the  monster 


79 

soon  yielding  to  my  gentle  assurances  of  her 
safety  while  with  me.  Now  thou,  who  art 
quick  at  reckoning  up  thy  customers'  scores, 
can  make  easy  account  of  how  many  mov- 
ings  of  this  serpent's  tail  should  be  needful 
to  bring  us  to  this  island,  for  each  time  his 
tail  doth  move  a  mile  is  passed.  But  in  thy 
account,  due  allowance  make  for  time  of  his 
feeding;  once  with  much  relish  on  an  Indian 
who  had  ventured  out  too  far  in  his  canoe, 
and  again  on  a  poor  fisherman,  near  Cape 
Ann.  This  last  grieved  me  much  to  see,  as 
indeed  I  would  have  stayed  him  from  both 
feedings  had  I  had  the  power,  and  time  not 
so  short  to  reach  here  ;  for  this  sea  serpent 
must  have  his  food  if  any  work  be  got  from 
him." 

As  my  strange  visitor  here  stayed  his 
voice,  I  began  to  feel  a  restlessness,  with  the 
beginning  of  some  fear  behind  it,  yet  I  much 
desired  to  hear  the  end,  so  I  waited  in  such 
patience  as  I  could  find  in  me,  having  no 
power  to  speak,  nor  wish  to  try  my  voice. 

"  Well,  mine  good  host,  there  remaineth 
not  much  to  tell,  save  that  we  arrived  safely 
this  morning  at  Newport,  where  some  of 
your  company  here  go  soon  to  dwell.  The 
water  was  too  shallow  for  the  monster  to 
proceed  nearer  thee,  and  so,  his  work  well 
done,  I  left  him  snug-coiled  about  that  Goat 
Island,  as  some  do  call  it,  fast  asleep. 


80 

"  Advantaging  by  this,  my  mermaid  pas- 
senger (after  a  tearful  farewell,  as  loath  to 
leave  me)  did  hie  her  to  Cormorant  Rock, 
by  my  advice  ;  where  I  trust  she  will  find 
safety  in  a  hiding  place  as  yet  unknown  to 
her  pursuer,  whose  greatest  delicacy  is  mer- 
maids. If  good  fortune  ever  favours  thee  to 
see  her,  thou  shalt  find  the  most  beautiful 
being  thine  eye  ever  rested  upon,  and  with 
vastly  pretty  ways.  To  this,  however,  thy 
wife  may  not  agree,  for  women  look  not 
upon  mermaids  with  our  eyes. 

"So,  this  parting  o'er,  I  rowed  my  boat  to 
thy  shore,  whence  I  walked  here,  right  tired 
with  so  much  travel.  If  it  be  thy  pleasure, 
I  will  on  the  morrow  carry  thee  to  see  my 
magic  boat,  and  will  e'en  now  hail  that  sea 
serpent  with  my  loudest  call,  to  stay  him  at 
Newport  till  we  tie  to  him  for  a  brief  sail. 
Tis  true  he  may  have  waked  and  gone 
hence,  but  wouldst  thou  hear  the  quality  of 
my  call  ?" 

Seeing  no  such  desire  in  me,  he  said  : 
"  Well,  if  thou  hast  no  wish  for  my  voice 
farther,  I  will  to  bed,  early  as  it  is ;  so  make 
merry  with  thy  friends,  some  of  whom  I 
see  are  already  coming." 

And  indeed  I  now  perceived  the  advance 
of  some,  by  the  path  leading  from  the  woods, 
and  then  I  bethought  me  that  my  guest  had 
departed  without  having  tasted  food  or  drink. 


81 

I  therefore  charged  my  boy  to  go  quickly 
to  him  and  say  that  great  plenty  was  upon 
the  table,  if  he  would  join  us  ere  he  slept ; 
but  the  lad,  returning  soon,  reported  no 
answer  to  his  message,  save  a  snoring  sound. 
Upon  this,  my  wife  prayed  me  to  let  the 
poor  man  sleep,  and  after  good  rest  he 
should  eat  the  more  when  morning  came. 

Nor  did  I  eat  any  supper  of  consequence, 
for  all  my  long  waiting,  the  relish  for  it 
quite  departing  on  hearing  of  that  human 
diet  of  the  sea  monster,  and  of  his  crunch- 
ing those  poor  mermaids  in  his  jaws.  My 
friends,  too,  were  now  coming  so  thick  upon 
me,  that  what  with  greeting  and  serving 
them,  no  time  remained  for  aught  else. 

As  soon  as  my  report  of  free  entertain- 
ment was  heard,  the  thirst  of  all  seemed 
doubled,  and  when  some  satisfied  in  that,  a 
few  (grown  merrier  now  upon  my  good 
drink)  declared  this  first  comer,  so  bounti- 
ful to  them,  must  be  brought  down  that 
they  might  thank  him.  The  most  prevailed, 
however,  that  his  rest  should  not  thus  rudely 
be  disturbed,  many  promising  to  call  upon 
the  morrow,  that  acquaintance  might  be 
made  of  one  so  courteous. 

'Twas  late  hours  we  did  keep  that  night 
mine  inn  was  opened,  and  early  hours  indeed 
ere  the  last  guest  departed  ;  for  there  was 
much  news  to  be  passed  about,  and  plenty 


82 

to  hear  it,  as  never  yet  had  so  many  of  my 
neighbors  been  gathered  together. 

After  latest  news  had  been  thus  talked 
upon,  some  tales  must  be  told,  with  good 
songs  following  by  a  few  of  the  younger 
sort,  but  no  revelry ;  most  not  desiring  it, 
nor  would  I  e'er  give  countenance  to  such, 
having  kept  always  an  orderly  house. 

Upon  a  few  hearing  of  the  strange  visitor's 
stranger  voyage,  others  must  have  me  tell 
to  them,  so  that  this  much  telling  (with  other 
things  I  spake  of)  made  small  wonder  that 
late  hours  were  kept. 

The  last  bottle  of  my  claret  was  finally 
reached,  tho'  I  had  thought  enough  store  to 
last  much  longer  (howbeit  some  upon  coming 
from  Manhattan),  and  the  last  good  night 
said,  with  good  luck  to  my  future  trade  ;  so  I 
gladly  sought  my  bed,  where  I  slept  long 
and  soundly. 

The  first  thought  on  awaking  was  for 
the  welfare  of  my  guest,  that  greatly  prized 
first  caller  at  mine  inn,  the  bountiful  and 
courteous  one.  I  sent  my  boy  to  his  door 
to  inquire  when  it  would  pleasure  him  to 
break  his  too  long  fast,  my  wife  having  made 
a  goodly  setting  forth  in  his  honour.  The 
lad  returning  with  word  that  he  got  no  an- 
swer  to  his  call,  I  followed  quickly  on  this 
report,  fearing  our  guest  in  some  sickness 
from  much  travel  and  fasting.  Long  did  I 


83 

knock,  but  got  no  answer,  so  at  last  oped 
the  door,  when  lo  !  none  was  within,  nor  bed 
slept  upon  ! 

Marveling  much  at  this,  I  looked  well 
about  for  some  trace,  if  not  of  him,  at  least 
of  that  bag  of  gold,  but  found  naught ;  and 
was  upon  leaving,  to  tell  my  wife  how  both 
had  vanished,  when  mine  eye  fell  upon  a 
piece  of  paper  lying  on  the  table. 

Now  taking  this  up,  I  read  as  follows: 

"Rec'd  of  mine  host,  Mr.  Baulstone,  a 
rare  night's  enjoyment  (seeing  all,  yet  my- 
self unseen).  I  say  received. 

(Signed)       THE  STRANGE  VISITOR." 

So  angered  was  I  to  be  thus  duped,  with 
that  added  insolence  of  an  acquittance  to 
me,  who  should  have  given  one  to  him,  for 
gold  I  might  now  ne'er  see  ;  that  I  was  near 
beside  myself  for  a  space. 

In  truth  it  was  his  so  befooling  me  that 
vexed  me  even  more  than  my  loss,  tho'  that 
no  small  matter,  for  my  company  had  been 
great,  with  thirst  to  match.  I  hurried  me  to 
the  shore  to  look  for  his  boat,  but  saw  only 
a  speck  far  to  the  south,  wherefrom  came, 
I  thought  (borne  to  me  on  the  breeze)  a  hail, 
but  could  scarce  believe  it,  from  the  great  dis- 
tance, so  it  may  only  have  been  my  fancy. 

Returning  to  mine  inn,  I  was  in  time  to 
meet  some  neighbors  (coming  upon  that 
promised  visit  to  greet  my  guest),  and  would 


84 

gladly  have  been  spared  their  questionings, 
but  as  that  might  not  be,  resolved  to  e'en 
put  a  good  face  on  it,  and  thus  make  a  bad 
business  end  merrily. 

Therefore  upon  question  of  how  my  guest 
rested,  and  when  he  could  be  greeted,  I  bade 
them  follow  me  to  his  room  if  they  would 
know  him  better  than  only  upon  my  report. 

Coming  there  now  and  seeing  none,  they 
looked  around  in  so  great  perplexity,  that  I 
fell  to  laughing,  nor  ceased  till  again  in- 
quired of  as  to  my  guest's  presence  or  want 
of  it.  "Faith,"  said  I,  "here  is  all  I  found 
of  him  this  morning! "  On  which  I  gave 
into  their  hands  my  acquittance  from  the 
strange  visitor. 

When  they  had  all  read,  and  pondered 
upon  it,  some  diverse  opinions  arose.  One 
said  he  had  thought  some  knavery  might  lie 
in  the  matter  of  such  seeming  bounty  to 
strangers,  but  made  no  mention  before,  as 
knowing  my  general  wisdom  and  experience 
of  men,  gained  in  my  vocation. 

Another  called  it  but  a  jest  of  mine  to 
make  some  pleasantry,  thus  giving  a  free 
day  to  all  upon  my  opening. 

A  third  declared,  that  being  the  first  of 
my  neighbors  to  arrive,  he  did  believe  me 
then  asleep  in  my  chair,  for  he  twice  spake 
ere  I  replied. 

But  none   could  tell  how  (if  I    slept   and 


85 

dreamed)  I  should  give  out  orders  to  others 
between  pieces  of  my  dreaming — albeit 
none  but  myself  'tis  true  did  see  the 
stranger,  not  e'en  the  lad,  for  I  reached  the 
bag  of  gold  within  the  door  to  him. 

The  greatest  bar  of  all  to  my  dreaming  is 
that  acquittance,  which  is  here  enclosed 
for  some  of  your  Seven  Club  to  compare 
with  that  chart  which  Mr.  Clarke  hath  told 
of,  as  having  a  mark  in  one  corner  like  the 
Evil  One's  coat  armour,  the  which  may 
match  with  a  strange  mark  in  the  acquit- 
tance now  sent  you. 

My  friends  talked  on  this  matter  much 
then,  and  more  after  with  aquaintances,  so 
that  for  a  month's  space  I  had  many  callers 
to  mine  inn,  with  inquiry  ever  for  my  guest, 
and  what  he  said  and  did. 

After  talking  their  throats  dry,  I  profited 
by  some  added  custom,  so  lost  not  much  in 
the  end,  from  my  strange  visitor's  coming. 

One  who  sailed  close  to  Cormorant  Rock, 
soon  after,  declared  he  saw  an  appearance 
like  a  mermaid,  sitting  on  the  edge,  and 
that  she  raised  her  hand,  whether  as  beck- 
oning to  him,  or  to  comb  her  hair,  he  could 
not  well  make  out.  Others  do  scoff  at  this, 
as  being  none  other  than  a  seal  he  saw,  tho' 
not  many  have  ventured  so  close  to  that 
rock  since  hearing  my  tale  of  "  the  first 
caller  to  mine  inn." 


MISTRESS  PORTER'S  XALE. 


MY   HUSBANDS   AND    OTHER   TRIALS. 


Should  it  so  chance  that  this  be  the  last 
tale  sent  for  reading  at  the  Seven  Club,  (as 
women  'tis  said  will  ever  have  the  latest 
word !)  I  wish  more  wit  might  appear  than 
fears  me  may  be  found.  If  any  think  I  shall 
make  grievous  plaint  of  my  husbands  (all 
three  alive)  they  much  mistake,  for  tho' 
thereby  some  tried,  not  always  have  I  been 
free  from  blame. 

Now  that  I  am  a  little  aging  (yet  still 
called  comely),  many  things  are  clearer  seen 
than  formerly,  and  (tho'  the  young  never 
will  learn  save  by  bitter  experience)  a  little 
counsel  and  warning  shall  I  give,  if  perchance 
a  few  may  heed. 

For  a  commencing,  I  would  advise  young 
maids  ever  to  avoid  all  forwardness  both  of 
manner  and  speech  ;  set  not  heart  overmuch 
on  finery  (tho'  always  in  neat  attire),  and 
beware  of  smooth  and  flattering  tongues  ; 
e'en  choosing  company  by  the  wisdom  God 
planteth  within  to  guard  the  innocent. 

I  did  start  wrong  in  some  of  these  as  you 
shall  soon  see,  for  now  I  am  come  near  to 
my  story,  which  (tho'  so  many  better  ones 


87 

already)  I  hope  may  some  content  you,  e'en 
tho'  much  discontent  of  mine  in  it. 

I  know  you  all  for  men  of  reputation  and 
solid  worth  (some  indeed  with  learning 
gained  from  universities),  and  shall  the  more 
esteem  it,  therefore,  if  my  tale  doth  please 
you. 

The  first  of  my  childhood  was  not  spent 
in  London,  being  sent  there  from  the  coun- 
try at  age  of  ten,  or  thereabouts,  upon  the 
occasion  of  my  father's  death. 

A  poor  time  of  life  to  lose  so  good  a 
father,  for  I  loved  him  most  dearly  and  was 
ever  more  mindful  of  his  word  than  of  others 
who  have  since  tried  to  rule  me. 

He  knew  some  good  in  me,  I  do  believe, 
and  how  to  bring  it  forth  ;  nor  spared  the 
chiding  of  my  faults. 

I  think  he  more  dreaded  leaving  me  to 
battle  through  life,  than  his  own  going  from 
earth  ;  remembering  as  I  do  his  last  long 
and  sad  look  at  me,  gazing  into  mine  eyes 
with  such  wealth  of  love  as  I  can  ne'er  for- 
get, till  joined  with  him  again, 

My  mother  loved  me  too,  granting  all 
things  she  could  afford  to  pleasure  me  (and 
more  I  fear,  sometimes),  but  having  not 
so  good  command  as  he  whose  care  I  had 
forever  lost. 

When  arrived  in  London,  I  was  at  first 
nigh  confounded  with  the  greatness  and 


88 

bustle  of  it  ;  fearing  to  venture  forth  alone 
lest  I  might  be  lost  in  the  winding  of  streets 
and  lanes. 

This  fear  soon  passed  from  me,  however, 
when  the  newness  had  gone  out  of  my 
thoughts  ;  and  soon  there  were  few  ways, 
indeed,  not  familiar.  I  delighted  most  to 
wander  by  the  water-side  ;  and  tho'  warned 
of  rude  sailors  there,  found  them  civil 
enough  in  the  main.  Hours  have  I  set  by 
the  side  of  one,  spinning  his  tales  of  lands 
beyond  the  sea,  while  splicing  rope  or  patch- 
ing of  sails. 

But  soon  I  was  growing  out  of  childhood, 
and  my  romping  plays  gave  way  to  more 
care  of  looks  and  dress,  with  some  new  fin- 
eries that  must  be  seen  in  my  glass  to  set 
them  well ;  to  say  nothing  of  mincing  steps, 
and  sly  looks  back  at  bold  'prentice  boys, 
passing.  Truly  the  most  favoured  of  nature 
in  their  looks  did  always  put  on  the  boldest 
airs ;  and  so,  not  to  be  outdone  by  her,  I 
favoured  most  Dame  Nature's  favourites. 
This  I  the  more  freely  confess  as  a  tale  is 
naught  unless  truly  told. 

It  had  been  wiser  to  keep  a  while  longer 
to  my  books,  and  closer  to  household  cares  : 
but  knowing  better  (or  thinking  so)  I  went 
my  course,  with  my  mind  mostly  on  gowns, 
and  latterly  some  jewels  that  had  been  given 
me  to  better  grace  them.  Dancing  and 


89 

visits  to  the  play  house  (if  all  be  told)  were 
become  frequent,  tho'  my  mother  ne'er 
knew  of  this  last. 

I  was  even  now  scarce  fourteen  years,  and 
then  it  was  I  met  a  most  handsome  youth, 
few  liklier,  for  looks,  in  London ;  John 
Hicks,  by  name. 

He  spoke  fairly  and  promised  well,  and, 
for  that  I  had  thought  him  a  'prentice  lad, 
he  said  he  but  acted  it  for  a  time,  in  some 
stress  of  fortune,  coming  of  far  nobler 
strain  ;  and  this  he  had  thought  I  should  have 
perceived.  I  took  some  fancy  to  his  good 
looks  and  lordly  ways,  and  much  pride  also 
to  be  seen  by  other  maids  with  so  brave- 
appearing  a  youth  ;  yet  I  know  not  if  it 
reached  far  into  my  heart.  A  woman  will 
ever  make  all  she  can  of  the  youth  who  first 
bespeaks  her,  whether  he  prove  true  or  false. 

I  am  not  so  bitter  toward  him  now  as 
once  I  was,  trying  in  these  later  years  to 
grow  out  of  all  old-time  spite  ;  and  know- 
ing full  well  that  I  should  have  better 
guided  my  own  steps,  however  others  may 
have  sinned  against  me.  I  was  not,  as  I 
have  said,  come  to  fourteen  years  (tho'  near 
it),  when  on  a  sudden  proposing  of  secret 
marriage  by  this  youth  (with  setting  forth 
thereafter  on  voyage  across  the  sea),  I  had 
the  folly  to  consent  ;  moved  partly  by  the 
noise  it  would  make,  and  the  sighs  some 


90 

maids  should  heave  at  losing  their  chance 
of  him. 

He  waited  not  long  for  my  cooling  in 
this,  and  we  were  quickly  married  at  St. 
Faith's,  close  on  St.  Paul's ;  waiting  some 
days  ere  I  told  my  mother,  and  of  our  soon 
sailing  for  New  England. 

It  caused  her  many  tears  in  the  hearing, 
and  more  at  the  soon  parting  ;  and  some 
shed  of  mine  own,  as  beginning  to  see  that 
happiness  is  not  in  what  we  have,  especially 
when  not  rightly  come  by. 

It  was  thus  that  we  sailed  away,  and  were 
come  at  last  to  Weymouth,  in  the  Bay, 
where  we  lived  in  some  measure  of  con- 
tent for  the  space  of  two  or  three  years, 
thence  coming  to  Newport  in  this  fair  isle 
of  Aquidneck. 

It  was  in  the  year  of  our  Lord,  1640  that 
we  reached  Newport,  and  it  seemed  then 
(as  it  doth  now)  that  a  fairer  spot  might  not 
well  be.  The  sweetness  and  mildness  of 
air,  the  fair  prospect  on  every  hand,  (with 
the  safety  from  Indians  in  situation)  took 
strong  hold  upon  me. 

In  this  peaceful  feeling  I  hoped  some  dif- 
ferences, of  late  arisen  betwixt  us  two, 
might  be  healed  ;  but  so  it  proved  not,  for 
sweet  content  cometh  never  in  change  of 
outward  place  alone.  There  must  be  change 
within  ere  rest  is  found  for  perturbed  spirit. 


91 

I  will  not  try  to  assort  the  blame  for  each, 
tho'  once  I  did  account  all  his.  That  was 
enough,  but  perchance  mine  some. 

My  mother  had  sent  me  out  some  estate 
(enough  needed  when  come)  and  would  have 
followed  it  with  more ;  but  the  rest  of  her 
holdings,  with  her  own  life  and  my  brother's, 
went  afterward  in  His  Majesty's  service. 

My  husband  soon  left  me  for  the  Dutch, 
at  Manhattan,  or  thereabouts,  taking  most 
of  my  estate,  and  the  son  he  had  by  me. 

In  some  time  that  was  now  mine  for  re- 
flection, it  were  well  if  I  had  remembered 
that  old  saying  of  an  hasty  marriage  afford- 
ing abundant  leisure  for  repenting. 

'Tis  certain  I  felt  no  pressing  need  now 
to  make  such  haste  in  a  second  marriage,  as 
I  had  in  first.  As  to  the  age  I  was  now 
come  to,  I  have  indeed  given  an  easy  reck- 
oning for  it,  so  that  it  is  plain  to  see  I  was 
not  twenty  yet,  tho'  a  wife  some  years  and 
lately  in  a  kind  of  widowhood. 

I  am  particular  in  this,  to  show  how  one 
woman,  if  no  more,  strains  not  to  make 
younger  than  she  is ;  and  'twere  but  fair  I 
might  have  this  one  comfort  from  so  early 
marrying,  that  it  hath  ever  kept  a  youngness 
in  me.  I  was,  at  time  I  write  of,  therefore, 
no  older  than  many  maids  unmated  and  un- 
asked. As  I  have  to  tell  of  other  husbands 
soon,  'twere  well  to  have  in  mind  the  name 


92 

I  first  bore,  if  by  chance  it  hath  'scaped 
you,  from  my  several  married  ones. 

The  name  given  at  my  birth  was  Herodias 
Long  (or  as  in  general  called  Horod  for 
shortness) ;  and  that  changed  o'er  soon  to 
Hicks,  will  now  come  to  another  changing, 
as  your  wisdom  hath  already  guessed. 

My  next  husband  was  not  gained  until 
after  some  stir  caused  by  dispute  as  to  my 
carriage  on  the  sad  occasion  of  the  deserting 
just  related. 

The  men,  for  most  part,  declared  I  did 
carry  myself  in  much  modesty,  with  a  sort 
of  sweet  sadness,  the  more  pitiful  in  one 
so  young. 

The  dames  and  maids  were  not  all  in 
agreement  to  this,  some  even  so  cruel  as  to 
flout  me  for  a  putting  on  of  grief.  I  an- 
swered them  not  in  such  coin  as  they  gave, 
but  my  second  marriage  may  have  been 
something  spurred  on,  to  cure  quarrelings 
and  heart-burnings  only  to  be  thus  stayed. 

I  take  no  blame  to  myself  here  (who  have 
enough  other),  as  no  fault  of  mine  that  I 
was  comely ;  rather  a  misfortune  indeed,  I 
have  oft  thought. 

But  if  my  reasons  for  this  marriage  were 
some  better  founded  than  the  first,  yet  'tis 
but  folly  to  place  aught  in  the  stead  of  love. 

To  this  belief  will  I  ever  hold  ;  and  if  late 
taken  the  more  credit  that  I  have  grown  to 


93 

it  after  much  error  and  folly.  Wiser  than 
the  old  age  of  some,  who,  commencing  bet- 
ter, have  at  last  so  fallen  away  as  to  give 
first  place  to  gold,  power,  or  office ;  only 
finding  therein  vanity,  vexation  and  bitter- 
ness, as  they  near  the  great  river. 

I  am  on  good  resolve  to  see  things  at  last 
aright,  for  that  I  made  so  poor  a  start  and 
have  too  lamely  followed  on  through  most 
my  life.  But  I  must  on  with  my  tale,  nor 
spare  myself  in  the  telling. 

My  second  husband  was  a  man  of  good 
parts,  well  meaning  in  the  main,  and  better 
favoured  as  to  looks  than  most  from  whom 
I  might  choose,  among  those  that  sought 
me  ;  and  this  no  small  number,  which  was 
the  cause  of  those  heart  burnings  of  certain 
maids,  with  pretence  to  disdaining  me. 

So  judging  too  much  by  looks,  instead  of 
searching  my  heart,  I  took  this  one  from 
those  who  offered  ;  having  since  heard  that 
some  (disappointed  in  losing  him)  did  call 
me  forward,  and  harder  names.  I  hope  this 
were  not  so,  and  certain  it  is  that  all  who 
desired  could  not  have  had  him. 

Before  you  condemn  me  too  hardly  in 
this  second  rash  entrance  to  what  should  be 
most  holy  bonds,  I  pray  you  consider  my 
still  youth,  and  want  of  early  guidance. 
There  is  one  thing  I  would  have  clear,  to 
wit,  the  regularity  of  my  marriage  to  George 


94 

Gardiner,  for  such  his  name  ;  calling  to  your 
minds  the  testimony  of  Mr.  Stanton,  how 
one  night  at  his  house,  before  himself  and 
wife,  we  took  one  the  other  for  man  and  wife. 

Now,  tho'  this  was  many  years  before 
truth  brake  forth  in  the  Quaker  way,  yet 
had  this  marriage  some  leaning  toward  their 
method  ;  albeit  they  have  safeguards  in  a 
host  of  witnesses,  and  other  matters  to 
make  legal ;  our  best  approved  men  in  this 
colony  being,  many  of  them,  Quakers. 

'Tis  in  the  knowledge  of  some  of  you  that 
we  lived  together  near  twenty  years ;  until 
those  differences  arose  of  which  I  will  later 
tell.  But  lest  you  should  tire  of  husbands 
only,  I  must  relate  of  another  sort  of  trial 
that  came  upon  me. 

It  was  on  occasion  of  that  first  flocking  to 
the  Quaker  belief,  being  in  the  month  of 
May  (as  I  have  cause  to  remember)  and  the 
year  1658;  that  a  clear  conviction  came  to 
me  forgiving  forth  of  testimony,  journeying 
to  Weymouth  for  that  purpose. 

It  was  long  and  sore  travel  to  reach  it, 
near  sixty  miles  through  wilderness,  with  a 
babe  at  my  breast,  and  only  other  compan- 
ion Mary  Stanton,  to  help  me  with  the  child. 

For  that  I  had  not  enough  suffered  in  this 
task  (which  a  man  in  full  strength  would 
have  accounted  hard) ;  I  was  brought  to 
Boston  before  that  stern  dealing  Endicott, 


95 

and  sentenced,  with  my  companion,  to  ten 
lashes,  as  cure  for  esteemed  heresy. 

When  I  had  suffered  this,  from  a  three 
fold,  knotted,  whip  of  cords,  I  kneeled  down 
and  prayed  the  Lord  to  forgive  my  oppres- 
sors, and  was  then  cast  into  prison,  being 
there  confined  fourteen  days,  as  fit  place  to 
heal  such  cruel  scourging. 

It  might  well  be  thought  I  would  trouble 
the  Bay  no  more,  yet  once  again  went  there, 
on  occasion  of  that  worst  cruelty  e'er  prac- 
ticed by  Endicott;  the  hanging  of  Mary 
Dyer,  a  lamb  indeed,  led  to  the  slaughter. 

This  visit  (not  generally  known)  was  some 
years  later,  and  kept  something  secret  on 
the  starting  forth. 

Yet  upon  that  day  of  sainted  memory  I 
cared  little  if  any  knew,  so  worked  upon 
was  my  spirit  at  such  sacrifice.  When, 
upon  the  crowd  dispersing,  an  officer  did 
peer  sharply  at  me,  (looking  for  any  un- 
sound as  she  who  hung  on  tree),  I  threw 
back  my  hood  that  he  might  the  better  see 
my  face. 

But  he  let  me  pass  unchallenged,  for  some 
murmuring  of  the  people  was  begun  at  this 
worst  cruelty  (a  turning  in  the  tide,  toward 
censure)  for  the  very  pity  of  it ;  and  there 
were  no  more  hangings. 

Thus  I  returned  to  Newport  unharmed, 
and  in  my  short  absence  unmissed  by  most; 


96 

for  I  made  no  vain  boast  of  it,  nor  should 
mention  now  except  that  true  narration 
must  be  made  of  all  that  hath  befallen  me 
in  trials. 

None  has  so  affected  me  as  to  see  this 
dame  (of  most  surprising  beauty)  wrought 
upon  so  wickedly  by  hard  laws  of  harder 
men.  I  can  e'en  now  hear  those  direful 
drum-beats,  sounded  that  none  might  be 
moved  by  speech  of  her.  as  all  were  by  the 
sweetness  of  her  face. 

If  it  weary  you  not  I  must  again  to  my 
husbands. 

I  was  on  telling  you  of  my  second,  Mr. 
Gardiner,  and  suffice  it  to  say  that  I  bore 
him  many  children,  in  whom  (if  not  in  our- 
selves much)  we  took  some  comfort. 

Toward  the  last  of  it,  however,  there  grew 
a  feeling  that  an  ill  considered  union  had 
proved  but  an  ill  assorted  one,  the  yoke  too 
hard  to  bear  ;  tho'  fault  not  all  of  either,  as 
I  will  freely  say. 

Upon  seeing  (or  fancying  so)  he  wished 
no  more  of  me,  I  resolved  not  to  be  left  a 
second  time,  but  e'en  leave  him  ;  and  desired 
the  most  honored  Assembly  that  I  might 
have  due  allowance  for  my  livlihood. 

What  labour  and  estate  he  had  of  me,  with 
enjoyment  of  house  upon  my  land,  as  also 
my  daughter  to  bring  up  and  maintenance 
of  her,  all  this  I  asked  ;  and  that  he  be  re- 


97 

strained  from  troubling  me  more.  We  are 
now  come  to  about  1665  in  my  story,  and  you 
have  seen  me  freed  from  my  two  first  hus- 
bands, though  not  truly  a  widow. 

Touching  both,  I  have  some  wondered  if 
any  thought  e'er  came  to  them  (as  oft  to 
me)  of  the  sad  state  that  our  children  were 
brought  to,  by  no  act  of  theirs,  but  only  by 
our  folly. 

I  remember  the  piteous  look  of  the 
younger  ones,  as  scarce  knowing  where  to 
turn  for  love  ;  not  able  to  allot  the  blame, 
and  bereft  of  a  proper  living  with  both  of 
us.  We  had  much  desired  freedom  (  a  word 
which  exalteth  humanity)  in  thinking  for 
happiness  thereby  ;  but  some  freedoms  bring 
it  not,  if  others  rightly  may.  So  that  now 
come  to  us  had  more  bitter  than  sweet  in  it. 

In  this  land  (as  most  others)  men  and 
women  deem  it  wiser,  in  general,  to  live  to- 
gether, if  for  no  more  than  company,  tho' 
it  were  better,  methinks,  to  ne'er  join  unless 
the  heart  be  with  it. 

It  was  not  long  ere  my  late  husband  found 
one  whom  I  trust  may  have  proved  a  fitter 
mate  than  his  first  choice.  I  did  not  think 
to  follow  him  in  this,  but  had  commenced 
so  young  on  marriage  that  I  could  scarce  re- 
member when  I  had  not  husband,  and  thus 
most  lonely  now;  causing  much  debate  within 
me  as  to  what  the  best  course  might  be. 


98 

I  was  well  resolved  to  at  least  take  time 
enough  to  know  my  mind  clearly  before  ven- 
turing again  ;  tho'  several  pressing  offers  of 
marriage  already  made,  so  no  lack  of  choice. 
It  should  be  held  in  mind  that  I  was  now 
just  turned  forty,  and  esteemed  younger 
still ;  so  if  suitors  came  it  was  small  wonder, 
nor  blame  to  me  if  any  comeliness  of  mine 
should  draw  them.  I  am  sure  you  who 
believe  in  fairness  will  hold  me  so  far 
blameless. 

When  Mr.  Porter  came  in  seeming  honesty 
(and  I  believe  so  meant),  proffering  not  a 
young  man's  love,  but  kind  treatment  and 
care,  with  assurance  mine  estate  should  suf- 
fer not  by  him  ;  I  did  at  last  consent  to  take 
him  for  third  husband,  and  went  then  to 
dwell  at  Narragansett. 

Here  I  doubt  not  shall  my  last  days  be 
spent,  for  he  hath  ever  done  as  agreed,  and 
I  should  be  in  fair  content  if  my  mind  could 
be  rid  of  thoughts  of  his  late  wife  (tho'  liv- 
ing), Margaret,  from  whom  he  parted  in  that 
same  year  of  my  last  separation  from  hus- 
band. 

I  do  know  this  ancient  dame  as  a  most 
worthy  woman,  and  would  not  have  her  rest 
in  the  belief  some  would  fasten  upon  her, 
that  this  late  husband  (now  mine)  did  plot 
with  me  in  putting  aside  our  former  mates, 
to  join  ourselves.  This  is  so  false  I  would 


99 

pass  it  by  altogether,  had  not  some  assent 
been  made  by  such  as  are  always  ready  to 
believe  the  worst  of  their  neighbors. 

There  has  much  joy  come  to  my  soul  in 
the  knowledge  of  a  good  settlement  which 
my  husband  hath  made  on  this  former  wife 
whereby  her  declining  years  may  pass  in  com- 
fort, so  far  as  housing  and  goods  may  give  it. 

It  was  upon  occasion  of  my  third  marriage 
that  one  envious  dame  did  liken  me  to  that 
Wife  of  Bath,  of  whom  Dan  Chaucer  told 
(tho'  I  hope  not  like  her  in  all) ;  while  an- 
other hath  quipped  on  my  name  by  calling 
me  an  horrid  example,  in  having  so  large 
store  of  living  husbands. 

I  care  not  for  such  floutings  (which  ever 
hurt  most  the  makers  thereof) ;  knowing 
well  the  right  and  wrong  of  my  life,  in  some, 
lately  come,  clearness.  Such  railers  I  for- 
give, as  indeed  all  who  ever  wronged  me ; 
hoping  for  a  like  pardon  from  any  I  have 
harmed. 

My  husbands  three  (with  wives  having  or 
had)  shall  believe  .this  if  no  more  of  me  ; 
that  I  wish  them  such  good  health  and 
sober  happiness  as  God  in  his  great  mercy 
may  vouchsafe  to  them. 

And  to  you  whose  patience  I  may  have 
some  taxed,  as  to  all  later  readers  (if  such 
ere  be),  remember  God's  word,  and  while 
you  do  justly,  forget  not  to  love  mercy. 


100 

Try  yourselves  as  well  as  me  in  the  read- 
ing of  this,  as  to  whether  you  might  have 
played  a  better  part  if  a  father's  love  and 
counsel  had  been  lost  to  you  at  so  tender 
an  age,  and  if  thus  thrown  into  a  great  city's 
turmoil;  where  even  the  strongest  sometimes 
grope  and  falter  for  the  right  way.  Let  me 
caution  some  of  you  older  ones,  sheltered 
in  quiet  corners  and  soft  seats,  not  to  grow 
hardened  there  yourselves,  in  judgment  of 
the  young.  If  their  hearts  reach  rightly 
out  to  one  another,  hinder  them  not,  from 
any  worldly  scruple,  but  help  rather ;  that 
they  may  gain  the  best  part  of  life,  that 
nearest  like  our  final  haven. 

If  I  have  missed  love's  best  degree, 
never  shall  it  be  said  I  have  lost  my  faith 
in  what  might  have  been,  and  my  hope  that 
it  may  come  to  give  content  to  others. 

To  the  young,  in  especial,  I  would  give 
this  added  counsel ;  guard  well  the  treasure 
of  your  heart,  as  the  richest  possession ; 
make  sure  you  give  it  wisely,  with  no  re- 
serve needed  then  in  the  bounty  and  full- 
ness of  it. 

I  know  not  what  weighing  may  be  mine 
on  those  balances  Mr.  Jefferay  dreamed  of, 
but  if  I  take  my  course  honestly  thereto, 
so  much  at  least  it  favours  me. 

Ah !  who  can  tell  (of  us  here)  about  that 
last  weighing,  and  how  it  will  go  with  self, 


101 


friend  or  neighbor.  Not  always  as  we  have 
deemed  it.  The  Searcher  of  all  things  alone 
doth  know,  and  we  may  but  do  our  best 
and  leave  all  judgment  to  Him. 


